Second Offensive Lineman Announces Return to Oklahoma State Next Season
The Oklahoma State Cowboys are seeing a second starting offensive lineman return to the program next season, announcing so through Pokes With a Purpose.
The Cowboys had an incredibly unlikely season. They started out 2-2 before making slight tweaks and simplifying the schemes, which led to a five-game winning streak.
A big part of the turnaround was the Cowboys establishing a ground game behind Ollie Gordon. He finished the season with 1,614 rushing yards and 1,940 all-purpose yards despite seeing the field very seldomly in the first three games.
Despite breaking out as a bonafide star, Gordon continually attributed his success and eye-popping stat lines to his teammates -- particularly his offensive lineman up front leading the way for him.
The offensive line was integral to the Cowboys' success this season. The praise from Gordon isn't unwarranted. Not only did they help Gordon become the nation's leading running back, but they rarely let the quarterback get his jersey dirty.
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Now, a second starting offensive lineman has announced he is returning to the program next season. Cole Birmingham is making his return to the Cowboys as the veteran lineman will add another layer of protection for whoever is under center next season.
"Hey Cowboy football fans, your left guard Cole Birmingham here. I am very excited to announce that I will be returning for a very special 2024 season," Birmingham said in a video. "I want to thank Pokes With a Purpose and OL600 for making it possible for me to be a Cowboy for life. NIL matters and I hope you'll keep supporting OL600. Go Pokes."
Initially, Joe Michalski was the first offensive lineman to return to the program. The starting center was the first to announce so through Pokes With a Purpose, too.
“Hey Cowboy football fans, it’s starting center Joe Michalski here excited to announce that I will be returning for the 2024 football season,” Michalski said in his announcement video. “I just want to give a big shoutout and thank you to Pokes With a Purpose and OL600 for making it possible for keeping me a Cowboy for as long as possible.”
Having both Michalski and Birmingham return will be huge, and they'll be able to lead the way for another offensive line that will hope to be as impactful as they were this season. Also, having this level of security on the offensive line already will be huge for the Cowboys as they try and retain Ollie Gordon.
Cowboys fans currently are awaiting an announcement from Gordon, as he can either enter the transfer portal or affirm his commitment to the Oklahoma State program.
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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