Ollie Gordon labeled as a 'Heisman guy' by opposing coach

There are those in the college football world who expect big things out of the Oklahoma State Cowboys this season. Some believe that Oklahoma State is the team to be in the Big 12 this year, with Texas and Oklahoma now in the SEC. And in order for the Cowboys to turn those beliefs into reality, they will likely have to lean on star running back Ollie Gordon.

There is one assistant coach and the Big 12 that sees big things in Gordon’s future; we are talking about Heisman Trophy big.

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“Some guys were riding [Mike] Gundy off for dead last season, but he’s a hell of a coach,” said an opposing Big 12 assistant coach in Athlon Sports. “They gutted their way through that one. … [Offensive coordinator Kasey] Dunn and [defensive coordinator Bryan] Nardo both being back help with the consistency they built towards the end of the last season. The running back [Ollie Gordon II] is an absolute stud, maybe a Heisman guy, and [QB Alan] Bowman is a vet.”

When it comes to Oklahoma State, there are very few concerns about their offense. The Cowboys rolled their offense in the legs of Gordon last season all the way to the Big 12 title game. Unfortunately, their defense could not hold up their end of the bargain, allowing Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers to torch the Oklahoma State defense, throwing for a career-high of 452 yards and four passing touchdowns. And the anonymous assistant head coach echoed those sentiments as he continued with his comment.

“The offense is fine; it really comes down to how much better the defense can get to put them in the conference title race or not,” said the anonymous source. “They were easy to get off their reeds and fits last season; they really struggled with tempo. If they can improve, and the consistency in coaching helps that, then OSU could be a conference title contender.”

Having a running back in the Heisman Trophy conversation is not unfamiliar territory. However, a running back has not won the prestigious award since former Alabama running back Derrick Henry did it in 2015. Since then, only Crimson Tide wide receiver DeVonta Smith has been the lone non-quarterback to win the award.

Should Gordon put together an impressive 2024 season, leading Oklahoma State to the college football playoff, whether as the Big 12 champions or earning an at-large bid, he may very well have his name thrown into the Heisman race. Or, at the very least, finish this upcoming season as the Doak Walker Award winner, the trophy given out to the best running back in college football that season.