The Cowboys were not great at the defensive back and cornerback position in 2025 and were rightfully targeted by teams with wide receiver deep threats — Can this portal class make the opposition pay in 2026?
In 2025, Oklahoma State’s cornerback unit struggled amid a broader defensive collapse, allowing opponents to exploit the secondary.
Led by seniors like Kale Smith (who is returning after being granted a medical waiver), who showed yearly improvement per PFF grades, and transfers such as JK Johnson, the group lacked consistency.
The Cowboys’ defense ranked third-lowest in Power Four conferences, conceding 252.4 passing yards per game, placing the secondary around 126th nationally in FBS pass defense rankings.
High completion rates (65.6%) and 28.3 points allowed per game highlighted their vulnerabilities in coverage and tackling.
For 2026, under new coach Eric Morris, the Cowboys aim to rebuild via the transfer portal, adding over 50 newcomers, including key cornerbacks like Kanijal Thomas (Kansas State), Kollin Lewis (North Texas), Maurion Horn (Texas Tech), and Christian Bodnar (Liberty).
These additions bring athleticism, experience, and depth, potentially improving man coverage and reducing big plays. Combined with returners like Smith and Cameron Epps, it’s only up from the Cowboys rock bottom 2025 performance…right? Right?!?
INCOMING:
Kanijal Thomas - Junior - 3 Star - Kansas State
- Kanijal Thomas, a 5-11, 186-pound cornerback transferring from Kansas State, brings valuable Big 12 experience to the Oklahoma State Cowboys’ defense in 2026.
A native of Del City, Oklahoma, the redshirt sophomore appeared in all 12 games for the Wildcats in 2025, tallying five tackles, one pass breakup, and a forced fumble.
With two years of eligibility remaining, Thomas adds depth and familiarity to the secondary, potentially bolstering coverage against pass-heavy offenses.
His return to his home state could enhance team chemistry, joining fellow Del City alum Ladainian Fields.
Overall, Thomas’s athleticism and game experience position him as a key contributor to OSU’s overall defensive unit.
Kollin Lewis - Junior - 3 Star - North Texas
- Kollin Lewis, a 5-11, 185-pound cornerback transferring from North Texas, joins the Oklahoma State Cowboys’ defense for the 2026 season with two years of eligibility remaining.
Hailing from Gladewater, Texas, the redshirt sophomore appeared in 12 games for the Mean Green in 2025, making one start and recording 15 tackles along with two interceptions.
Pro Football Focus graded him at 75.9, ranking him seventh among transferring cornerbacks this offseason. Targeted 19 times, he allowed just eight receptions for 67 yards and one touchdown, showcasing strong coverage skills.
Lewis adds depth and proven Big 12-caliber talent to OSU’s secondary under new defensive coordinator Skylar Cassity, potentially strengthening pass defense against aerial attacks.
His experience could foster competition and elevate the unit’s performance, contributing to the Cowboys’ ongoing rebuild amid a highly ranked transfer class.
Maurion Horn - Senior - 3 Star - Texas Tech
- Maurion Horn, a 5-11, 190-pound cornerback transferring from Texas Tech, joins the Oklahoma State Cowboys as a redshirt senior with one year of eligibility for 2026.
An Oklahoma native from Broken Arrow, he brings Big 12 starting experience, having appeared in 30 games for the Red Raiders, including all 13 as a starter in 2024 where he tallied 56 tackles, 3.0 for loss, and five pass breakups.
In 2025, he added four tackles and three pass breakups in seven games.
Horn’s tackling ability, coverage skills, and special teams contributions enhance OSU’s secondary depth under new coordinator Skylar Cassity, aiding the defense against pass-oriented offenses.
Christian Bodnar - Sophomore - 3 Star - Liberty
- Christian Bodnar, a 5-11, 185-pound cornerback transferring from Liberty, joins the Oklahoma State Cowboys with two years of eligibility for 2026.
As a redshirt sophomore, he recorded 44 tackles, two sacks, and one pass breakup in 12 games with nine starts in 2025. Overcoming post-infectious encephalitis in 2024, Bodnar earned a 2025 Comeback Player of the Year award. His tackling numbers and experience enhance OSU’s secondary depth.
Trudell Berry - Senior - 3 Star - Vanderbilt
- Trudell Berry, a 6-1, 196-pound cornerback transferring from Vanderbilt, joins the Oklahoma State Cowboys with one year of eligibility for 2026.
A four-star recruit from Baytown, Texas, he missed the 2025 season due to an undisclosed issue but appeared in 24 games from 2022-2024, amassing 29 tackles (21 solo), six pass deflections, and one forced fumble.
Berry’s SEC experience, track speed (10.93 100m), and coverage skills will help OSU’s secondary depth.
Marrel Davis III - Freshman - 3 Star - Humble, TX
- Marrel Davis III, a 6-0, 190-pound freshman cornerback from Humble, Texas, brings athleticism and coverage skills to Oklahoma State’s 2026 defense. A three-star recruit with track speed (11.32 100m), he tallied 83 tackles, 20 pass breakups, and two interceptions in high school. His instincts and range add depth and playmaking potential.
Maliek Bracy - Freshman - 3 Star - Argyle, TX
- Maliek Bracy, a 6-1, 190-pound freshman cornerback from Argyle, Texas, arrives at Oklahoma State as a three-star recruit ranked No. 106 at his position in the 2026 class.
A true freshman enrolling in spring, he helped lead his high school to a 12-2 record. Bracy’s size, athleticism, and coverage skills provide depth and future playmaking potential to the Cowboys’ secondary.
Bobby Deal Jr - Freshman - 3 Star - Coffeyville, KS (JUCO)
- Bobby Deal Jr., a 6-1, 190-pound safety from Coffeyville Community College in Kansas, joins Oklahoma State as a JUCO transfer for 2026.
The El Paso native recorded 62 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions, and three pass breakups in 2025. His tackling, playmaking ability, and JUCO experience add depth and versatility to the Cowboys’ secondary.
RETURNING:
Kale Smith - Senior - 3 Star - Oklahoma State
- Kale Smith, a 5-11, 180-pound redshirt senior cornerback from Midwest City, Oklahoma, returns to the Oklahoma State Cowboys for 2026 after receiving an NCAA eligibility extension.
Over three seasons, he amassed 73 tackles (47 solo), three interceptions, including a 73-yard pick-six in 2024, eight pass breakups, and two tackles for loss.
Despite an injury-limited 2025 (20 tackles, one INT), his experience in 32 games will help OSU’s secondary depth under coordinator Skylar Cassity, providing leadership, coverage skills, and playmaking against Big 12 offenses in 2026.
OUTGOING:
Carrington Pierce - USC
Eric Fletcher - Wisconsin
JK Johnson - FAU
Draden Fulbright - UAB