Greg McElroy makes the case for Oklahoma State to make a jump in 2024

Oklahoma State was one win away from winning the Big 12 last season. In the 2024 campaign, ESPN’s Greg McElroy believes the Cowboys will capture what they previously couldn’t.

“Oklahoma State is really underrated coming into this upcoming season,” McElroy said. “I was surprised to find out that Oklahoma State is +1200 to win the Big 12. That, to me, is a ludicrous number.

“Now, I also take into account that they got there last year, things are a little bit different, and the new additions make it a little bit more challenging, but they return as much production as just about anybody — the third-most returning production in the entire country.”

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.

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 one 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 year, the Cowboys allowed 28.6 points per game, ranking No. 86 in the FBS.

McElroy believes Oklahoma State will see significant strides on the defensive side of the ball this season.

“They’re heading into Year No. 2 in a defensive style and a system that could be much more advanced this upcoming season,” McElroy said. “They now understand it better from a philosophical standpoint at all three levels.

“If there’s a team that could make a leap, could make a run, I would go with Oklahoma State, who’s projected to win around seven or eight games. But, would it surprise anybody if they get hot, looking at the schedule, and then they find their way into the Big 12 title game, win that game, and then ultimately find their way into the first round of the College Football Playoff?”