Josh Pate stirred the pot this week on Josh Pate’s College Football Show, diving into one of the biggest storylines in the coaching carousel: Eric Morris turning down Arkansas to become the next head coach at Oklahoma State.
According to Pate, Morris wasn’t just a candidate for the Arkansas job, he was believed by many to be the favorite. Arkansas had extended an offer and showed strong interest. Yet the Razorbacks still came up empty.
Pate put it bluntly:
“I believe Morris just chose Oklahoma State over Arkansas, and that’s kind of indicative of where the Arkansas football coaching search is at right now.”
That statement alone raised eyebrows across the college football world that Eric Morris would "choose" to go to a Big 12 school over the SEC.
Why Oklahoma State Won the Battle
Pate elaborated on what he believes swayed Morris: a vision from Oklahoma State that mirrored Texas Tech’s resurgence.
"“Oklahoma State probably pitched to him that they can do what Texas Tech is doing right now… We’ve got big money here too. We can be the next Texas Tech.”"Josh Pate
The implication? Oklahoma State convinced Morris that they could navigate the transfer portal, compete in high-level recruiting battles, and supply the NIL resources needed to stay competitive annually. In other words, a faster rebuild, a clearer path upward, and the financial backing to make it real.
For a program that’s been seeking fresh energy and a modern identity, Morris fits the bill. He’s coming off one of the best seasons in North Texas history, having developed standout talents like quarterback Drew Mestemaker and running back Caleb Hawkins. His offensive mind, creativity, and player development record all point toward upside, though he still has room to grow into his full coaching identity.
This hire is more about potential than guaranteed stability, but Oklahoma State believes the ceiling is worth the risk and Arkansas believed the same thing.
Why Arkansas Missed Out
From Pate’s perspective, this was a straightforward loss for the Razorbacks, a program that simply got out-maneuvered.
Oklahoma State was aggressive, organized, and sold Morris on a path that was:
- faster than what Arkansas could offer in the SEC gauntlet
- better resourced in terms of NIL and portal strategy
- more favorable in a Big 12 that offers a smoother route to contention
For a coach trying to build momentum quickly, the Big 12’s terrain was more appealing than battling giants weekly in the SEC.
Arkansas, meanwhile, is left re-evaluating.
If the Razorbacks want to land top candidates, they must commit fully and strike decisively. Half-measures won’t cut it in today’s landscape, where NIL leverage, conference positioning, and program vision are as important as tradition or facilities.
Pate’s takeaway was clear: Arkansas didn’t just lose a coaching target; they lost a battle of urgency, alignment, and long-term vision.
What’s Next?
For Oklahoma State, the Morris era begins with optimism and high expectations. If the Cowboys deliver on the NIL and roster-building promises reportedly made during the pitch, Morris could spark a rapid transformation in Stillwater.
For Arkansas, the search continues, while fans hope the program learns from this loss and goes “all-in” the next time they zero in on their top candidate.