An Oklahoma State star continues to get recognition for his breakout season.
OSU running back Ollie Gordon’s 2023 season was one of the best in the country, leading him to the Doak Walker Award. Along with All-America honors and Big 12 awards, Gordon is recognized by Pro Football Focus.
PFF ranked Gordon as the No. 11 player from the 2023 season. Gordon’s ranking was the highest for a running back and the second-highest for a Big 12 player, with T’Vondre Sweat cracking the top nine.
The OSU star led the FBS in rushing with 1,732 yards. After playing limited time in the season’s first three games, Gordon rushed for at least 100 yards in all but two of OSU’s last 11 contests.
Gordon finished the season with 21 touchdowns and was a catalyst for the Cowboys’ offense. With an uncertain quarterback situation early in the season and other running backs sharing time with Gordon in the backfield, the Cowboys needed a spark.
He led OSU to a five-game winning streak, with some performances garnering national attention. OSU’s game against Kansas started a three-game streak of 200-yard performances.
Although Gordon did not get 200 rushing yards against Kansas, his 116 receiving yards showed he can be a dual threat. Then, back-to-back games of 270 rushing yards pushed OSU into bowl eligibility.
As PFF put in its explanation for Gordon's ranking, he almost singlehandedly led the Cowboys to the Big 12 title game. Considering only the final week of the regular season, that is an accurate description.
OSU trailed 24-6 at halftime against BYU, and looked like its chances of making the Big 12 Championship were over. With 166 rushing yards and five touchdowns, Gordon led OSU to a comeback win.
Including touchdowns with less than a minute left in regulation and another score in each overtime, Gordon punched OSU’s ticket to the conference title game. If he can continue to put the team on his back in 2024, Gordon is poised to be one of college football’s best once again.
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