2024 season preview: A look at OSU's schedule, position-by-position analysis and players to watch
- Aug 25, 2024 Updated 2 hrs ago
Tyler Waldrep
OSU Sports WriterBROADCAST INFORMATION
Broadcast: 1170 AM/106.9 FMCoaches TV show: 3 p.m. on Thursdays of game week, OSU Max, ESPN+ and YouTube
Radio show: Mondays from 6-7 p.m., 1170 AM/106.9 FM
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POSITION ANALYSIS
Quarterbacks
Only three quarterbacks in the nation threw more interceptions than starter Alan Bowman last season when he tossed 14. If he can clean up the mistakes, then the Cowboys offense could emerge as one of the best in the nation. Depth behind him is something of an issue. Garret Rangel has four career starts and 147 total pass attempts. Zane Flores appears to be the most mobile of the three but has yet to see the field.
Running backs
Ollie Gordon, the Doak Walker Award winner (best running back), will once again serve as the offense's focal point until opponents force the Cowboys to adjust. He led the nation in nine stats, including rushing yards (1,732) and 20-yard rushes (21). However, Mike Gundy would like to limit his load to 20 carries per game this fall. That’s where redshirt freshman Sesi Vailahi and Indiana transfer Trent Howland enter the picture.
Wide receivers
Easily the most overlooked unit on Oklahoma State’s offense. Brennan Presley and Rashod Owens needed only 124 receiving yards between them to become the fifth duo in the entire country to each top 1,000 yards. Now add in De’Zhaun Stribling, who had more yards (198) than both put together in the four games he played before getting injured. Then there’s so much depth behind these guys that Oklahoma transfer Gavin Freeman plans to redshirt.
Tight ends
Perhaps the biggest question mark on Oklahoma State’s roster. Josh Ford, of Stillwater, was a spring sensation and has continued to impress in fall camp. Still, will the Cowboys really roll out a freshman alongside one of the oldest starting lineups in the country? Ohio transfer and sixth-year tight end Tyler Foster has also looked the part since arriving ahead of spring camp. Expect those two to see time inside a larger committee this season.
Offensive line
Oklahoma State’s top eight offensive linemen account for 215 starts (27 on average), 305 games played (38) and 16,414 total snaps (2,052). Expect plenty of TV graphics comparing the starting five’s average age to NFL counterparts, young NBA teams and more. Speaking of the lineup, OSU seems willing to play at least seven, if not eight, of those guys interchangeably. Even if the Cowboys back down from that, what other teams can reasonably match this kind of depth?
Defensive line
Justin Kirkland, an absolute breakout star of 2023, and Collin Clay should serve as the Cowboys’ ultimate tag team inside. Kody Walterscheid brings experience to one end spot. Oklahoma State’s top pass-rusher, Collin Oliver, is expected to play more of an edge role this season. The Cowboys have other experienced players back to fill out the line, but D-II transfer Obi Ezeigbo has earned a lot of praise during camp and could see a lot of time.
Linebackers
Collin Oliver and Nick Martin should make their case to be the best linebacker duo in the Big 12 depending on how much Oliver plays at that spot. When he’s not there, safety Kendal Daniels should replace him. Former Tulsa starter Justin Wright missed most of last season, but could make an impact, especially down the stretch. Despite all that, this could be the Cowboys’ biggest weakness on defense due largely to depth.
Secondary
Oklahoma State returns most of its secondary, including top corners Korie Black and Cam Smith. Kendal Daniels’ shift to linebacker at times could hurt, but the potential return of Lyrik Rawls from injury could offset that change somewhat. Of course, that assumes he can earn his way back to the field against some mix of Cameron Epps, Dylan Smith and UTEP transfer Kobe Hylton.
Special teams
Logan Ward went 7-of-7 on extra points but has yet to kick a field goal. The sigh of relief heard around Stillwater after his first make might be deafening. Hudson Kaak and Wes Pahl split time at punter last year. There’s no reason to expect a change. Shea Freibaum likely remains the guy at long snapper. This could be the most improved unit thanks to rule changes, which allowed OSU to add Scott Snyder, son of Bill Snyder, as kicking coach.
