Bryan Terry/The Oklahoman / USA TODAY NETWORK

Oklahoma State Star RB Ollie Gordon Announces Decision For 2024

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Adam Gibby | Last updated 12/26/23

Oklahoma State star running back Ollie Gordon has just shocked the college football world. In a world of NIL and the transfer portal, great players who play for teams outside of the traditional true bluebloods tend to seek money and opportunity at a school where they can get paid more and be featured more on TV.

But not every player.

On Tuesday, Gordon decided to gift Oklahoma State a late Christmas gift by announcing that he would be returning to play for the Cowboys next season in a tweet that was themed off of the traditional “This is SportsCenter” commercial.

Let’s do it pic.twitter.com/jh3UygF5hf

— Ollie Gordon (@Ollie_Gordon2) December 24, 2023

Many assumed that Gordon would find opportunities elsewhere where he would almost certainly be able to rake in more cash through NIL. However, Gordon showed that there is still some players do value loyalty to a program even if “better” opportunity presents itself.

Ollie Gordon Becomes Big 12’s Premiere Player

Last season Ollie Gordon led the nation in rushing yards per game, and was second in overall rushes, rushing touchdowns, and fourth in rushing attempts. What’s even crazier is that Gordon wasn’t prominently used until the fourth game of the season.

There is a real chance that Gordon could go off for 2,000 rushing yards next season which would make him likely a Heisman candidate, particularly if the Cowboys are able to duplicate their success from this past season and find themselves in the Big 12 Championship Game, or even better ranked high enough to be in the expanded College Football Playoff.

For a league that is trying to elevate itself as the clear third best conference, while also trying to close the gap with the SEC and Big 10, having a Heisman winner certainly would help their cause.

Oklahoma State Suddenly Appears Very Dangerous…Again

Oklahoma State didn’t perform as well as they’d hope in the Signing Day finishing 10th in the league, an upsetting outcome given their two Conference Championship appearances the last two seasons. But with this announcement, Oklahoma State immediately becomes a strong contender to be at the top of the league, particularly if his influence is able to bring in other high level transfers and recruits in the later cycle.

Next season will be very interesting for the league, as there isn’t a clear favorite. Unlike the SEC, Big 10 or ACC where the championship game matchup can almost be guaranteed, or at least narrowed down to three or four teams, the Big 12 is wide open. There are likely going to be seven to eight teams who will be able to make a strong case to why they will be able to be in the championship game.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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