We are a little over a month away from the college football season starting and what better way than to evaluate athletes who are on the rise. This segment will feature Oklahoma State’s superstar back Ollie Gordon II.

Gordon II led the nation in rushing yards with 1,732 and was an explosive force for the Oklahoma State Cowboys. The 20-year-old from Fort Worth, Texas won multiple awards last season for his play on the football field.

Highlights and Awards: 

• First-team All-Big 12
• Unanimous All-American
• Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award
• Doak Walker Award

All four of these achievements were captured during the 2023 football season and the Doak Walker Award is a very prestigious honor which is awarded to the top running back in college football.

Pro Football Focus wrote an article titled: ‘College Football: The top-10 returning running backs for the 2024 season’ in which author Max Chadwick discussed ten ball carriers who may be poised for a breakout season in 2024. Gordon II topped the list due to his accomplishments in 2023 and how productive he has become in Oklahoma State’s offensive gameplan.

As the reigning Doak Walker Award winner, Gordon was the obvious choice to lead this list. The true sophomore led the nation this past season with 1,732 rushing yards while placing second in rushing touchdowns (21) and yards after contact (1,056). Gordon did all of that while only receiving 19 total carries over the first three games, averaging nearly 150 yards over the final 11 contests. Oklahoma State also finished just 103rd in team PFF run-blocking grade (55.3), making his dominance even more impressive. Gordon was also relied on heavily in the Cowboys’ passing game, as his 330 receiving yards were the third-most by a Power Five running back in 2023. 

Next year, he’ll attempt to join Jonathan Taylor, Darren McFadden and Ricky Williams as the only running backs to win the Doak Walker Award twice.

Chadwick mentioned how his dominance is not only impressive, but he also has the ability to win the Doak Walker Award once again, making him the fourth running back in all of college football to earn this award a second time. The three running backs who were two-time recipients of the award went on to have solid NFL careers.

Most recently, Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts has been a staple in head coach Shane Steichen’s offensive approach. Ricky Williams and Darren McFadden no longer play in the NFL, but both athletes combined for over 15,000 yards and 94 rushing touchdowns. Williams’ 2002 season would go down as one of the best in NFL history as he registered 1,853 rushing yards and 16 total touchdowns.

If Gordon II can capture another Doak Walker Award, he has a chance of securing a very solid NFL career.

Gordon II’s Collegiate Statistics: 

2022: 62 Carries for 308 Rushing Yards, 2 TDs | 12 Receptions for 76 Yards, 2 TDs

2023: 285 Carries for 1,732 Rushing Yards, 21 TDs | 39 Receptions for 330 Yards, 1 TD

2024: TBD

Oklahoma State’s offense went through Gordon II last season as he carried the football 285 times and earned 1,732 rushing yards. The more impressive feat was his ability to find the end zone and be a high offensive scorer as he captured 22 total touchdowns in both rushing and receiving.

While it is very hard to predict how a player is going to perform after being so productive the previous year, the Cowboys’ offense is built around establishing a strong running game. There should be no doubt that if Gordon II can stay healthy that he will be another top offensive player in all of college football this season.

It will be interesting to watch his growth and development this season. He will likely be declaring for the NFL Draft after this season and will be a difference maker for many franchises looking for an all-around offensive weapon.