When Oklahoma State star running back Chuba Hubbard publicly criticized his coach, Mike Gundy, and threatened to boycott the team after Gundy was seen wearing a T-shirt from a far-right news network, he made a significant move in the players’ rights movement in college football. In doing so, Hubbard may have saved Gundy’s career.
Hubbard and other players within the Cowboys program took on the challenging task of addressing issues that no Oklahoma State president, board member, or athletic director had openly attempted—saving Mike Gundy from himself. Hubbard’s public criticism compelled Gundy to make significant personal changes and adapt to the modern era by addressing long-standing issues that OSU leaders had ignored for over a decade.
“Some people need to be educated,” Hubbard stated in an ESPN video, adding, “I’m going to do my best to educate him and improve Oklahoma State for all athletes.”
Yahoo Sports, through interviews with Oklahoma State players and athletic department officials, and reviewing program documents, learned that Hubbard and his peers spent the past week highlighting Gundy’s deficiencies. This revealed a coach who had become so disconnected from his team and consumed by his own ego that he had lost touch with his players.
Gundy has long portrayed himself as a maverick coach—hunting rattlesnakes, bullying reporters, and glorifying his mullet. This image made him a hero to many of the school’s loyal fans and immune to criticism from school officials. However, this persona also widened the gap between Gundy and his players, who complained about his lack of personal relationships and even basic knowledge of their names.
In media interviews, Gundy often referred to younger players by their jersey numbers, creating a sense of distance. Even the best players felt they couldn’t build a relationship with him.
“This was about way more than a T-shirt,” said a source familiar with the program. “Chuba didn’t risk everything because of Gundy’s TV choices; it was about general respect for the players’ well-being.”
One incident epitomized Gundy’s lack of respect: the near-death experience of walk-on Anthony Diaz, whose heart stopped during a practice in 2019. Practice continued as Diaz was treated on the field, and Gundy later referred to him by the wrong name, showing little empathy.
“When the players said they felt I was disconnected, it broke my heart,” Gundy told Yahoo Sports. He acknowledged the truth of their feelings and expressed a commitment to developing deeper relationships with his players.
Hubbard’s call for accountability prompted widespread support from teammates and former Oklahoma State players. This strong stance marked a significant confrontation in Gundy’s career, coming from Hubbard, who led the nation in rushing last season and is a Heisman Trophy candidate.
Hubbard and his teammates could have pushed for Gundy’s dismissal, which would have ended his coaching career. However, Hubbard’s willingness to educate his coach instead highlights his unique leadership. By stepping up, these players are driving change that the administration failed to initiate, ensuring that their coach and program evolve for the better.
