Oklahoma State Lands Coveted Miami Transfer Safety Zaquan Patterson
In a significant victory for the Oklahoma State Cowboys, former Miami Hurricanes safety Zaquan Patterson has announced his commitment to the program. The news broke on Thursday, May 8, 2025, sending ripples of excitement through the Oklahoma State fanbase and the wider college football landscape. Patterson, a highly-touted prospect from the 2024 recruiting class, brings a wealth of talent and potential to the Cowboys’ secondary.
Patterson’s decision to transfer comes after spending his freshman season in Coral Gables, where he played in all 13 games for the Hurricanes. Despite being a true freshman, he made an immediate impact, showcasing his athleticism and ball-hawking abilities. He recorded 19 tackles and three pass breakups, even earning his first career start in Miami’s Pop-Tarts Bowl matchup against Iowa State, where he registered a season-high five tackles.
Coming out of Chaminade-Madonna Prep in Hollywood, Florida, Patterson was a consensus four-star recruit and ranked among the top safeties in the nation. He was considered a top-100 player by multiple recruiting outlets and held offers from a who’s who of college football powerhouses, including Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Michigan, and Oklahoma, before initially choosing Miami. His high school career was marked by significant success, including multiple state championships and seven interceptions during his senior year.
For Oklahoma State, landing a player of Patterson’s caliber through the transfer portal is a major coup. Head coach Mike Gundy and his staff, particularly new defensive coordinator Todd Grantham, have been actively working to bolster the team’s defense. Grantham’s connections in South Florida are reported to have played a crucial role in securing Patterson’s commitment, along with the efforts of defensive assistant Kevie Thompson, who had ties to Patterson’s 7-on-7 team.
Patterson’s addition addresses a significant need for the Cowboys, who are looking to improve their defensive performance after a challenging 2024 season. His versatility and playmaking ability are expected to make him an instant contributor to the Oklahoma State secondary. With three years of eligibility remaining, Patterson has the potential to become a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ defense for years to come.
Oklahoma State beat out several other programs for Patterson’s services in the transfer portal, including Florida and Mississippi, highlighting the appeal of the Cowboys under the new defensive leadership. Patterson becomes the latest in a string of defensive back transfers to join Oklahoma State this spring, including JK Johnson (LSU), Jaylin Davies (UCLA), and DeAndre Boykins (North Carolina), signaling a clear emphasis on revamping the secondary.
The commitment of Zaquan Patterson is a significant statement for Oklahoma State. It demonstrates their ability to attract high-level talent through the transfer portal and their commitment to building a competitive roster in the Big 12 Conference. As the Cowboys gear up for the 2025 season, the addition of a player with Patterson’s pedigree brings renewed optimism and excitement to Stillwater. Fans will be eagerly anticipating his arrival on campus and the impact he will have on the Oklahoma State defense. This move undoubtedly elevates the talent level on the Cowboys’ roster and underscores their intent to contend in the evolving landscape of college football.
