Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon II can already put his name alongside legendary OSU running backs like Thurman Thomas and Barry Sanders after winning the Doak Walker Award as a sophomore in 2023.
Gordon could engage full legend status in 2024 with another big season — something ESPN thinks will happen after naming him to its Preseason All-American Team.
From ESPN: "Gordon went from a little-used freshman to the Doak Walker Award winner as the top running back in college football last season. He led all FBS players with 1,732 rushing yards and scored 22 touchdowns. The 6-foot-1, 225-pound junior has a little bit of everything in his repertoire. He tied for second nationally a year ago with 1,056 yards after contact and led all players with 14 rushes of 30 yards or longer. He's plenty durable too, as evidenced by his 285 carries."
Texas Tech's Tahj Brooks was named to the second team, putting Big 12 Conference running backs in both spots. Gordon was also named to the Maxwell Award's preseason watch list and is projected as a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
No. 17 Oklahoma State opens its season on Aug. 31 at home against two-time defending FCS national champion South Dakota State.