Oklahoma State Football to Return Three Offensive Lineman For Next Season
The Oklahoma State Cowboys are gearing up for a new era of Big 12 football. With Texas and Oklahoma both on their way out of the conference and on their way to the SEC, things will be wide open next season.
The Longhorns and the Sooners were the two favorites to win the conference ahead of the season and were arguably the best two teams in the Big 12 this season. With them departing, it'll be up to the other teams to claim the top of the conference.
As for the returning teams, the Cowboys seem to be the team most suited to end up near the top of the conference. They've been one of the most consistent teams since Mike Gundy began his head coaching career in Stillwater.
Now, the Cowboys are looking to return as much of their team as possible after a 9-4 season and a loss to Texas in the Big 12 title game. Three offensive linemen, three starters that helped Ollie Gordon become the nation's leading rusher, are set to return for the 2024 football season.
Cowboys' starting center Joe Michalski started the movement when he announced with Pokes With a Purpose that he'd be returning to Stillwater. Cole Birmingham was the next offensive lineman to re-affirm his commitment to the program.
The most recent lineman to re-up his stay with Oklahoma State was starting left tackle Dalton Cooper.
"What's up Cowboy football fans, it's your left tackle Dalton Cooper here. I'm excited to announce that I will be returning for a very special 2024 season," Cooper announced in a video. "Thanks to OL600 and Pokes With a Purpose for making it possible to be a Cowboy for life. NIL matters, and I hope you'll continue to support OL600. Go Pokes."
With now three starting offensive lineman announcing their return to the program, the Cowboys are setting up to be dangerous next year. With a 12-team playoff format, a Big 12 Championship win would have them competing in the playoffs for a National Championship.
Having an elite offensive line return will help in both facets of the offense, as they were impressive on the run and in the passing game. This also boosts the chance of Oklahoma State retaining Ollie Gordon.
Want to join the discussion? Like All Pokes on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest Cowboys news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.
Kade has been covering a wide variety of teams ranging from the NFL to the NBA and college athletics since joining Sports Illustrated's On SI in 2022