Like Father, Like Son: Barry Sanders’ Son To Transfer To OSU

It’s official. Barry Sanders’ son, Barry J. Sanders, is set to join the Oklahoma State football team following his Stanford graduation.

Barry J. is scheduled to graduate this summer and announced his decision via Twitter, tweeting, “I will be joining the Oklahoma State football program following my graduation from Stanford in June. #GoPokes”

The running back told The Oklahoman that the Cowboys have his full commitment and that he looks forward to being there in late June.

Barry J.’s father and NFL Hall of Famer Barry Sanders (Detroit Lions) played at OSU from 1986-1988.

In 1987, Barry recorded eight touchdowns and led the nation in yards per kickoff return.

But 1988 was his big year. 

He recorded one of the best single seasons in college football history, setting 34 NCAA records. That season, with Mike Gundy at quarterback, Barry tallied 44 touchdowns, 2,850 rushing yards and won the Heisman Trophy.

Barry J. says his father is just as excited as he is about his decision.

“His message to me was to keep an open mind. I think that he would have wanted me to look at more schools. He definitely didn’t want me to make a decision without considering other options,” said Barry J. “What I told him was that this was something I’ve been thinking about for some time. I just knew [OSU] was the right decision and the right fit for a variety of different reasons. So when I kind of explained my reasons behind it, he was pretty comfortable with it and he’s just as excited as I am.”

Barry J. was granted release of his scholarship, which makes him eligible to play immediately upon transfer.

Coming out of high school, Barry J. was a four-star RB at Heritage Hall, totaling 3,825 yards and 68 touchdowns, but was never center stage at Stanford.

With the Cardinal program, he served as the backup to last season’s AP Player of the Year and Heisman Trophy semifinalist Christian McCaffrey. McCaffrey is the current NCAA single-season all-purpose yards record holder with 3,864 and is the only FBS player to lead a team in rushing and receiving yardage.

Barry J. finished his final season at Stanford with 315 rushing yards and four scores.