As the regular season of college football comes to a close and the focus shifts towards the championship games, it’s time to spotlight some of the game’s most talented athletes. This segment will focus on Oklahoma State’s running back Ollie Gordon II, who had a record setting 2023 campaign before production decreased this past season.

Back in July, we launched a segment titled: “College Football Players to Watch”, which highlighted several collegiate athletes in their quest for greatness. Many of the athletes had outstanding years, while some battled injuries and other factors that ultimately made the year somewhat forgettable. For Oklahoma State’s Ollie Gordon II, this past season was not as productive as the prior.

Gordon II finished the season rushing on 190 carries for 880 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, decreasing his 2023 total by a substantial margin. In 2023, Gordon was named first-team All-Big 12, earned both the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose and the Doak Walker Awards and was one of the premier running backs in all of college football. Being the bulk of the offense, Gordon saw a heavy increase in carries (285) and rushed for 1,732 rushing yards along with reaching the end zone 22 total times (including receiving touchdowns).

What changed this past year?

Well, the football team struggled immensely and was down most of the game. This then results in abandoning the running game and relying on a more pass heavy approach. Not only that, Gordon II’s health was in question and after he exited the West Virginia game, reporters began to ask if he was ready to pack it in.

According to an interview with 247Sports, Gordon responded positively to the report and mentioned how his mother always told him that you finish what you start.

I finish what I start,” Gordon said. My momma always told me that you finish what you start. Who would I be to give up on my team because our season is not going how we want it to go? So just because our season is not going how it’s supposed to I’m supposed to give up now? That’s really weird, and the way that people can just sit there and say that, it’s crazy. They’re wasting their breath saying it because I’m not giving up on my team.

In recent memory, many college football players opt out of Bowl games or even the season when they start to feel the pressure or are injured. It seems to be an ongoing trend that is really difficult to witness. However, Gordon staying on to finish the season not only helped prove to his family, specifically his mother, that he can finish what he started, but it also looks good for him as he begins his quest to join an NFL franchise in the near future.

On December 6, 2024, Gordon announced that he declared for the NFL Draft and will forgo his senior season. He finished his career at Oklahoma State with 2,920 rushing yards and 36 touchdowns. While his production was filled with an injury and poor team play overall, his future is still bright when he is healthy. Look for an NFL organization to draft him in the later rounds and get an athlete who is dual threat and can provide not only rushing yards but also receiving as well.