Greg McElroy believes Oklahoma State will win the Big 12 in 2024

The 2024 campaign could be the season the Oklahoma State Cowboys lasso in a Big 12 title. ESPN analyst Greg McElroy certainly likes their chances.

“Oklahoma State, on paper, has as many answers as anyone in the entire Big 12,” McElroy said. “Oklahoma State hasn’t won a conference title since 2011. I think this could be the year. Not only do I think this could be the year, I think this will be the year.

“Right now, if I had to pick, I’m going with the Pokes. Knowing what they bring back offensively and the style that they’re going to play defensively being in Year 2, I just expect significant growth on that side of the ball.”

Oklahoma State will be loaded on offense in the upcoming season. Most notably, Oklahoma State retained All-American running back Ollie Gordon II this offseason, despite numerous portal promises being thrown his way.

In 2023, Gordon tallied 1,732 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns, earning the Doak Walker and Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year awards for his efforts. Gordon isn’t the only offensive standout the Cowboys will return this fall.

Starting quarterback Alan Bowman also decided to run it back in Stillwater, Oklahoma. It will be his seventh season at the collegiate level. Last season, Bowman notched 3,460 passing yards and 15 touchdowns.

To top it off, OSU boasts one of the most experienced offensive lines in college football, featuring six redshirt super seniors and a redshirt senior. The Cowboys’ defense has 10 returning starters as well, highlighted by All-Big 12 linebacker Nick Martin and safeties Kendal Daniels and Trey Rucker.

The 2024 season will be Bryan Nardo’s second as Oklahoma State’s defensive coordinator. He must usher in significant improvements for the team to reach its goals. Last season, the Cowboys allowed 28.6 points per game, ranking No. 86 in the FBS.

Even with so much talent by their sides, it won’t be easy for head coach Mike Gundy and Co. Oklahoma State will have to defeat fresh faces and familiar rivals alike to secure the Big 12 title.

“Now, there will be a faction of people that will be very supportive of Utah coming right into the league and ascending to the top,” McElroy said. “Maybe Kansas State with Avery Johnson and an offense that has a lot of weapons. Maybe they’re the group that might ascend and especially knowing how they play at all three levels defensively.

“Can TCU get back to the forefront? Of course, [they] missed out on winning the conference title a couple of years ago, but ultimately got to the playoff and ultimately found themselves in the national championship game.”

Oklahoma State will kick off its 2024 campaign on Aug. 31 against South Dakota State.