Mike Gundy details how experience helped Oklahoma State in spring

Sometimes, returning players bring unanticipated benefits. In a conversation with ESPN’s Greg McElroy, Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy revealed how Oklahoma State’s 18 returning starters have simplified the offseason process.

“It was really fun this spring to move quickly through terminology, from a football standpoint,” Gundy said. “Last year, we had 28 new players, with incoming high schoolers, portal transfers and JUCO transfers. This year, very minimal numbers based on having 18 returning starters.

“We were able to move really fast through terminology and get to real football about halfway through spring—which we’ve always believed in here at Oklahoma State 11-on-11 is how we improve. That side of it was fun from spring football.”

Oklahoma State will be loaded in the 2024 campaign. 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.

Greg McElroy picks Oklahoma State to win Big 12 in 2024

McElroy believes Oklahoma State has an excellent chance of taking home the Big 12 title this season.

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