The Cowboys, by most standards, had a successful 2023. Ten wins, a Big 12 Championship Game appearance and a Texas Bowl win against Texas A&M were all landmarks of an impressive year.

There is reason to think 2024 will be better. 

Considering OSU began 2023 rebuilding from 22 transfer portal departures and without a clear starting quarterback and still managed a 10 wins, the path to success seems relatively simple in 2024.

OSU returns the focal point of its offense, running back Ollie Gordon, who led the nation with 1,732 rushing yards. The team’s leading receiver, Brennan Presley, is back for a super-senior year. Offensive line starters Cole Birmingham, Dalton Cooper, Jake Springfield and Joe Michalski have announced returns. 

“(Next year we could be) dangerous…dangerous for sure,” quarterback Alan Bowman said. 

Of course, the senior Bowman is waiting for the NCAA to approve his medical hardship waiver to play next season. He said after the Texas Bowl he expects a decision in the next couple of weeks. Regardless of the decision, offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn said he feels good about Bowman, and young 2024 quarterback options Garret Rangel and Zane Flores. 

“Zane is talented, so is Garret, so it will be interesting moving forward into spring how the dynamic at quarterback changes, well, not changes, but (sorts) its way out,” Dunn said.

Defensively, linebacker Nick Martin emerged as a star and will return for his junior season. He led the Big 12 with 140 tackles, 25 more than UCF linebacker Jason Johnson. OSU’s top four-tacklers: Martin, Kendal Daniels, Trey Rucker and Collin Oliver are all NFL Draft eligible but can return.

“The large majority of players that are on this team that have the chance to come back have said that they want to come back,” coach Mike Gundy said. “I think they like the chemistry of the team. I think they like competing with each other against whoever we’re playing and they feel like we could make a really good run next year.” 

Producer: Jacquelyn Musgrove
Creative Director: Michael Lane

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