Roger Denny's First Big Test: Will OU Part Ways With Porter Moser Gracefully, Or Trigger The Buyout?

This week on The Jones Report, hosts Tyler Jones (publisher of Sooners Roundtable) and Thomas Bridges (editor of OkState Roundtable) dive deep into the latest headlines surrounding the Oklahoma Sooners and the Oklahoma State Cowboys. With the college basketball season winding down and March Madness on the horizon, both programs face critical moments as they navigate their paths in the high-stakes worlds of the SEC and Big 12.

For the Oklahoma Sooners, the dream of an NCAA Tournament berth has faded dramatically. The team's recent struggles, including a string of tough losses, have left them well outside the bubble.

Attention has quickly shifted to the future, particularly the status of head coach Porter Moser. While many assume his time in Norman is coming to an end, Jones emphasizes that this doesn't necessarily mean a outright firing.

A recent ESPN feature on the 2026 coaching carousel highlighted Oklahoma as one of the most attractive open (or potentially open) jobs in college basketball. Intriguingly, the same article positioned Moser himself as one of the top coaching candidates available on the market, thanks to his proven track record—including a Final Four run with Loyola Chicago and a Sweet 16 appearance.

Jones points out that this scenario could represent an ideal way for new athletic director Roger Denny to kick off his tenure at Oklahoma. If Moser secures another head coaching position elsewhere, the Sooners could part ways amicably without triggering a costly buyout. Moser's contract details indicate that a dismissal without cause would cost the university around $5.8 million (based on remaining years through 2027-28, with escalating figures like $3.4 million in 2026-27).

Avoiding that payout would free up significant resources—potentially over $5 million—to invest in attracting a new coach, recruiting, or program enhancements. It also allows Moser a dignified exit from Norman, preserving relationships in what has been a challenging chapter for OU basketball. This mutual-benefit outcome could set a positive tone under Denny's leadership as he steps into one of the most prominent AD roles in college sports.

Over in Stillwater, the Oklahoma State Cowboys remain very much in the fight for an NCAA Tournament spot, though their chances took a devastating hit recently. Star senior center Parsa Fallah, a key contributor and fan favorite, suffered a season-ending torn ACL in his left knee during the final moments of a hard-fought overtime win over West Virginia. Fallah confirmed the injury himself via social media, marking a heartbreaking end to his time with the Pokes.

Bridges doesn't mince words: losing such a pivotal player has effectively dashed OSU's hopes of dancing in March. The Cowboys now face an uphill battle, relying on remaining players to step up in a suddenly thinner rotation.

This Saturday brings a must-win showdown against Cincinnati—a classic bubble elimination game. Both teams sit precariously on the NCAA Tournament bubble, and the outcome could make or break their at-large hopes. The Cowboys will need maximum effort and perhaps some luck from other results to stay alive.

Adding expert insight this week is renowned bracketologist Chris Dobbertean from SBNation's BloggingTheBracket.com. In his most recent projections, Dobbertean forecasts a loaded field with 11 SEC teams and 8 Big 12 teams earning bids—underscoring the depth and competitiveness of both conferences.

In his conversation with Jones, Dobbertean offers cautious optimism for Oklahoma State: they still have a narrow path, but it will require strong finishes in remaining games plus favorable help from the committee.

For the Sooners, the outlook is even slimmer—he suggests OU would likely need to win out in the regular season and secure at least one or two quality victories in the SEC Tournament to have any realistic shot at sneaking onto the bubble.

This episode of The Jones Report delivers in-depth analysis, insider perspectives, and forward-looking discussion on the Sooners' coaching future, the Cowboys' injury-ravaged push, and the broader conference landscapes shaping March Madness. Whether you're a die-hard OU fan hoping for a smooth transition or an OSU supporter clinging to slim postseason hopes, this show breaks it all down.

Catch the full episode now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the content and want more coverage of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, be sure to subscribe, rate us five stars, and leave a review—it helps us reach more fans!

Stay tuned for more updates as conference play heats up and the tournament picture clarifies.