The Spring Football Roster for Oklahoma State: A Glimpse into the 2025 Season
The Oklahoma State Cowboys football program has long been one of the cornerstones of the Big 12 Conference, with a proud tradition of competitive football, both on offense and defense. As the spring season approaches in 2025, the excitement surrounding the program is palpable. The unveiling of the spring football roster is a critical moment for fans, analysts, and players alike as it marks the first real indication of how the team will look in the upcoming season.
The Cowboys, led by head coach Mike Gundy, are entering a new chapter in their storied history, with several key returning players, promising newcomers, and position battles that will shape the course of their season. In this article, we’ll break down the key storylines surrounding the 2025 spring football roster for Oklahoma State, analyzing the players to watch, key position battles, and what fans can expect as the team gears up for another exciting season.
A New Era for Oklahoma State Football
Oklahoma State has long been known for its offensive prowess, with high-scoring games and explosive playmaking. Under Coach Mike Gundy, the program has enjoyed sustained success, consistently being in the mix for bowl games and challenging for the Big 12 title. However, 2025 presents a season filled with questions and potential, as Gundy’s squad is transitioning through some key personnel changes.
For the first time in several seasons, the Cowboys are dealing with significant turnover at several key positions. These changes present opportunities for younger players and newcomers to step up and make a name for themselves. The spring roster release, which typically comes in late January or early February, is the first glimpse into how these transitions will take shape.
With a combination of experienced veterans and hungry newcomers, the 2025 spring roster is filled with intrigue. Let’s dive deeper into the critical areas that will be addressed during the spring practices.
Key Players to Watch
The spring roster is always a time to keep an eye on players who are returning from injury, newcomers who could make an immediate impact, and young players who are ready to step into larger roles. Here are a few names to keep in mind as the 2025 spring season begins:
1. Quarterback: Alan Bowman
One of the most critical positions for any college football team is quarterback, and for the Oklahoma State Cowboys, 2025 is no different. Alan Bowman, who transferred from Michigan in 2024, enters his second season with the Cowboys. Bowman, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound senior, has the experience and leadership qualities needed to guide Oklahoma State’s offense. He brings a powerful arm and the ability to manage the game, but questions still linger about his consistency and ability to elevate his game when the pressure is on.
As the starting quarterback in 2024, Bowman demonstrated his ability to move the offense efficiently, but the team will need more from him in 2025 to challenge for a conference title. The spring practices will offer an opportunity to see how well he has adjusted to Gundy’s offensive system and how comfortable he is operating behind a revamped offensive line.
2. Running Back: Ollie Gordon
Ollie Gordon, who emerged as one of the Cowboys’ most explosive playmakers last season, is poised for an even bigger role in 2025. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound sophomore running back brings power, speed, and an ability to make defenders miss in space. Gordon was the team’s most consistent offensive weapon in 2024 and will be relied upon heavily in 2025 to carry the load in the running game.
Gordon’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield and run with authority between the tackles will make him a focal point of the offense. The spring practices will be crucial for Gordon to continue developing his skills as he looks to solidify his spot as one of the top running backs in the Big 12.
3. Wide Receiver: Brennan Presley
Brennan Presley, a dynamic wide receiver and return specialist, is another player to watch this spring. Known for his quickness, agility, and ability to make plays in the open field, Presley has the potential to be one of the best wide receivers in the conference in 2025. After a solid 2024 season, he is expected to take on a larger role as the top receiving threat for the Cowboys.
With Alan Bowman throwing the ball, Presley will have the opportunity to stretch defenses and create big-play opportunities. How he develops his chemistry with Bowman during spring practices will be key to the success of Oklahoma State’s passing game in the fall.
4. Defensive Line: Collin Oliver
The defensive line is always a strength for Oklahoma State, and Collin Oliver is the player who will anchor this unit in 2025. The 6-foot-4, 240-pound junior has the size, strength, and speed to disrupt opposing offenses. Oliver had a standout 2024 season and is expected to be a key player in both the pass rush and run defense.
Oliver’s ability to generate pressure on the quarterback and collapse the pocket will be crucial for the Cowboys’ defensive success. As spring practices unfold, Oliver will be one of the most closely watched players, as he has the potential to elevate Oklahoma State’s defense to new heights.
5. Linebacker: Kendal Daniels
Kendal Daniels, a sophomore linebacker, is one of the most promising young players on the Cowboys’ defense. With his athleticism and sideline-to-sideline range, Daniels has the potential to become one of the top linebackers in the Big 12. As a freshman in 2024, he showed flashes of brilliance and will be expected to take on a larger role in 2025.
Daniels’ ability to read plays, cover in space, and make tackles behind the line of scrimmage will be crucial to Oklahoma State’s defensive game plan. He is a player to watch during spring practices as he looks to develop into a leader of the defense.
Position Battles to Watch
Spring practices are all about competition, and 2025 will feature several key position battles that will define the team’s roster. These position battles will not only help shape the starting lineup but also determine the depth of the team as it heads into the fall.
1. Offensive Line
One of the biggest concerns heading into the 2025 season is the offensive line. The Cowboys will need to replace several key starters from the 2024 season, and the spring will be the time to evaluate the new faces who are vying for starting spots. Oklahoma State has traditionally had a strong offensive line, but 2025 will present some challenges as they break in new players.
Look for battles at both tackle and guard positions, as well as competition for the center spot. Players like Jake Epperson and David Igbinoghene will be fighting for playing time and could have a significant impact on the team’s success. The spring practices will be crucial for offensive line coach Charlie Dickey to find the right mix of talent and chemistry.
2. Defensive Backfield
The defensive backfield is another area where there will be intense competition during the spring. Oklahoma State has a talented group of cornerbacks and safeties, but the team will need to replace several key contributors from the previous season. Players like Korie Black and T.J. Bower will be fighting for starting spots in the secondary, and the spring will be the time for them to prove themselves.
The cornerback position will be particularly crucial for the Cowboys, as they look to shut down opposing passing attacks. The secondary will be under the microscope this spring, and the players who emerge from the competition will have a significant impact on the defense.
3. Wide Receiver Depth
While Brennan Presley is expected to be the top target for the Cowboys, there is still competition for spots in the wide receiver rotation. Oklahoma State has a strong group of young receivers, including Jaden Bray and Stephon Johnson, who will be looking to earn more playing time in 2025. The spring practices will be an important time for these players to showcase their skills and make an impression on the coaching staff.
The wide receiver depth will be important for the Cowboys, as they will need multiple players to step up and contribute in the passing game. The battle for spots in the wide receiver room will be one of the most interesting storylines to follow during the spring.
What to Expect in the Spring Practices
Spring practices are a crucial time for teams to establish their identity, build team chemistry, and develop their game plan for the upcoming season. For Oklahoma State, the spring will be a time to evaluate new talent, solidify starting spots, and fine-tune both the offense and defense.
Offensively, the Cowboys will focus on building a balanced attack, with Alan Bowman at the helm and Ollie Gordon leading the running game. The offensive line will need to come together to protect Bowman and create holes for Gordon, while the wide receivers work to develop chemistry with the quarterback.
Defensively, Oklahoma State will work to build on its strong defensive foundation, with Collin Oliver and Kendal Daniels leading the way. The defensive line and secondary will need to come together to form a cohesive unit capable of stopping opposing offenses.
The spring practices will also give Coach Mike Gundy an opportunity to experiment with different combinations of players and schemes. The roster is full of potential, and how Gundy utilizes the talent at his disposal will be key to the team’s success in 2025.