Former Oklahoma State OL announces transfer commitment to Big 12 rival

A former Oklahoma State offensive lineman announced where he’s transferring — and he’s staying in the Big 12.

Monroe Mills is heading to Lubbock to play for Joey McGuire and Texas Tech, he announced Monday. He confirmed the move by changing his profile picture on Twitter.

#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/Ehow1CuNEE

— Monroe Mills (@RoeMillsfootbal) January 10, 2022

Mills was a three-star recruit from the Class of 2020 and the No. 27 recruit in the state of Missouri, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He chose the Cowboys over Missouri, Iowa State and Indiana, among others.

Mills played in two games at Oklahoma State — one in 2020 and another in 2021. He now joins a Texas Tech offensive line that ranked fifth in the Big 12 with 23 sacks allowed this season.

McGuire is getting ready for his first season with the Red Raiders after Matt Wells was let go in October. Texas Tech went 7-6 overall and 3-6 in Big 12 action this season.

Former Oklahoma State safety Tanner McCalister follows defensive coordinator to Ohio State

Former Oklahoma State safety Tanner McCalister has committed to Ohio State, according to his social media page. The former three-star recruit follows defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who moved from Oklahoma State to Ohio State last month after serving as defensive coordinator and safety coach.

Along with his commitment, Tanner McCalister posted two images in Ohio State gear with a message to fans.

“Already Written!” McCalister posted. “Excited to begin this new journey with (Ohio State football) let’s go!”

The 5-foot-11 senior was a two-year starter for Jim Knowles and the Cowboys, recording 123 tackles, 12 pass deflections and one interception over his four-year career. He joins an Ohio State secondary which looks to add more consistent play at safety for the 2022 season.

The Buckeyes were able to grab one of the hottest defensive coordinators on the market in Knowles. The Bryant Award finalist will be replacing Kerry Coombs after four seasons in Stillwater.

Knowles is a Cornell graduate who has made stops at his alma mater, Duke, Ole Miss, Western Michigan, and most recently Oklahoma State.

Former Duke head coach David Cutcliffe has long been a believer in the now Buckeye defensive coordinator, working with him at Ole Miss and Duke. With the SEC program, he served as the linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator.

Knowles’ contract details with Ohio State have been released, securing a three-year contract the school released on Friday. The defensive coordinator will be making an average of $1.9 million a year or $5.7 million in total. The deal makes him the highest paid assistant coach in program history.