Oklahoma State offensive lineman Nuku Mafi plans to enter NCAA transfer portal
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Oklahoma State will lose a full-time starter on the offensive line. Second-year player Nuku Mafi announced his intention to enter the NCAA transfer portal via social media on Wednesday.
Mafi redshirted in his first season on campus in 2024, not seeing any playing time. But he turned into a full-time starter in 2025, starting in each of the team’s 12 games.
“First and foremost I just want to thank heavenly father for the many blessings he has blessed me in my life,” Nuku Mafi wrote on a graphic posted to Twitter. “To Oklahoma State I just want to thank you for all you have done for me and my family.
“I also want to express my greatest gratitude to Coach (Mike) Gundy who has played a big part in not only football but in life. I also will like to thank all the coaches who were involved in my development in Oklahoma State as well. That being said I have decided to enter my name in the portal with 3 years of eligibility.”
Prior to enrolling at Oklahoma State, Nuku Mafi was a reasonably lightly recruited prospect out of high school. Ranked as a three-star prospect and the No. 1,067 overall recruit in the 2024 class, Mafi hailed from Salt Lake City (UT) West. He was the No. 100 interior offensive lineman in the class and the No. 13 overall player in the state of Utah.
Nuku Mafi not the only departure for the Cowboys
Unfortunately for Oklahoma State, there’s been a pretty sizeable exodus planned from the program following the ousting of Gundy. Nuku Mafi is not alone in planning to enter the transfer portal.
Oklahoma State quarterback Zane Flores also plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal, per On3’s Pete Nakos. Flores just wrapped up his third season in Stillwater, getting playing time in 2025. However, a new regime coming to town means Flores will also look for a new opportunity.
Nine games played resulted in 1,490 yards, three touchdowns, and seven interceptions for Flores. He completed just under 60% of his throws, coming in at 59.8%. In a season where quarterback was a roller coaster for Oklahoma State, Flores emerged as the team’s leading passer.
Flores played high school football at Gretna (NE), where he was a three-star prospect. He was the No. 467 overall recruit in the 2023 cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.
On3’s Griffin McVeigh also contributed to this report.
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