Who Would Be Listed on OSU’s Wide Receivers Mount Rushmore?
Oklahoma State University (OSU) has produced a plethora of football talent over the years. From dominating the running game to building up legendary defenses, the Cowboys have made their mark in college football history. However, when it comes to the wide receiver position, OSU has an equally impressive legacy. The school’s storied history at the wide receiver position has been highlighted by a series of standout players, many of whom went on to achieve great things in the NFL. The question is: if OSU were to construct a “Mount Rushmore” for wide receivers, who would be carved into that granite monument?
To create this list, we’ll consider a combination of factors: individual achievements, impact on the program, and contributions to the game at the college and professional levels. This is an exploration of the top four wide receivers in Oklahoma State history, all of whom have shaped the program’s identity and made their mark on the football field.
1. James Washington (2014–2017)
James Washington is one of the most dominant wide receivers in the history of OSU football. Known for his incredible speed, strong hands, and the ability to make plays in the air, Washington redefined the wide receiver position during his time at OSU. His journey to becoming a college football legend began in 2014, and by the time he graduated in 2017, he had etched his name in the record books.
In his four-year career, Washington set multiple OSU receiving records, including career receiving yards (4,472) and touchdowns (39). His 4,472 career receiving yards rank him second all-time in Big 12 history. Washington was known for his deep threat capability and ability to perform in clutch moments, particularly in games against Oklahoma, a rivalry that has often showcased some of the best talent in the nation. His skill set wasn’t confined to regular season games—he made a huge impact on the big stage in bowl games as well.
Washington’s impact wasn’t just limited to the college level. He was a standout player for OSU’s high-powered offense, led by head coach Mike Gundy and quarterback Mason Rudolph. The duo became one of the most prolific quarterback-wide receiver combinations in the nation. Washington’s play earned him numerous accolades, including being named a First-Team All-Big 12 selection in each of his final two seasons.
Upon declaring for the NFL Draft in 2018, Washington’s stock was through the roof. He was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round, and he has since continued to perform at a high level in the NFL. Though Washington’s career at OSU was relatively short, his impact as a game-changer and record-breaker is undeniable, making him a cornerstone of OSU’s Wide Receiver Mount Rushmore.
2. Tylan Wallace (2017–2020)
If James Washington was the dynamic deep threat of his era, then Tylan Wallace was the precise, fundamentally sound receiver who could do it all. A native of Fort Worth, Texas, Wallace arrived at OSU in 2017 with the intention of contributing early. It didn’t take long for Wallace to assert himself as one of the most reliable wide receivers in the history of the program. He paired his speed with exceptional route running and hands, which allowed him to make plays all over the field.
Wallace burst onto the scene as a freshman, earning the reputation as one of the best up-and-coming wide receivers in the Big 12. However, it was his sophomore season in 2018 that solidified his place in OSU history. That year, Wallace posted 86 receptions for 1,491 yards and 12 touchdowns. His performance was a key factor in OSU’s offensive success and helped carry the team through a challenging stretch.
One of Wallace’s most memorable performances came in 2018 when he dominated in a game against Texas Tech, racking up 10 catches for 220 yards and two touchdowns. This game was just a glimpse of what was to come for Wallace, who followed it up with another record-breaking season in 2019. In that campaign, Wallace posted 1,540 receiving yards, marking the second-highest total in school history at the time.
His total career receiving yards of 3,404 were a testament to his consistency and ability to perform in every season he played. Despite suffering an ACL injury that sidelined him for part of the 2020 season, Wallace returned to finish strong and declared for the NFL Draft, where he was selected by the Baltimore Ravens.
Wallace’s combination of technical skills, physicality, and mental toughness makes him one of the most well-rounded and complete wide receivers in OSU’s history. He was an indispensable piece of the team during his time at OSU and, as a result, deserves a spot on the OSU wide receiver Mount Rushmore.
3. Rashaun Woods (2000–2003)
Rashaun Woods is another name that undeniably belongs on OSU’s Wide Receiver Mount Rushmore. A product of Oklahoma, Woods was one of the best wide receivers to ever suit up for the Cowboys, and his contributions to the program helped solidify OSU’s reputation as an offensive powerhouse. Woods’ career at OSU was marked by his incredible athleticism, sharp route-running, and ability to perform in key situations.
Woods played for OSU from 2000 to 2003 and quickly became the focal point of their passing attack. Over the course of his career, Woods amassed 3,731 receiving yards and 42 touchdowns—both of which were records for OSU at the time. His 42 touchdowns remain a school record, and his ability to dominate opposing defenses was unparalleled during his tenure.
Woods’ impact wasn’t just reflected in statistics—he played a crucial role in bringing OSU back to national prominence in the early 2000s. Under head coach Les Miles, Woods helped the Cowboys return to bowl games and compete at a higher level in the Big 12 Conference. One of his most iconic performances came in the 2002 Fiesta Bowl, where he delivered a remarkable 10-reception, 187-yard, 3-touchdown performance in a victory over the University of Southern California.
Woods’ incredible ability to make plays in big moments earned him multiple All-Big 12 honors and eventually led to his selection in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. Although his NFL career didn’t reach the same heights as his college career, Woods’ college legacy remains a touchstone for wide receivers at OSU.
Rashaun Woods was an integral part of the OSU offense for several years, and his dominance on the field makes him an obvious inclusion on OSU’s Wide Receiver Mount Rushmore.
4. Brandon Pettigrew (2005–2008)
Although the tight end position is slightly different from the traditional wide receiver spot, Brandon Pettigrew’s inclusion on this list might surprise some. However, the fact that Pettigrew could be used both as a tight end and as a dynamic receiving weapon in OSU’s spread offense puts him in a class of his own. Pettigrew’s role as a hybrid player revolutionized the way college offenses incorporated tight ends into the passing game, and his production at OSU made him one of the most feared receiving threats in the Big 12.
Pettigrew played for the Cowboys from 2005 to 2008, and during his tenure, he amassed over 1,000 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. His ability to make difficult catches in traffic and stretch the field as a tight end was crucial for OSU’s offensive success. Pettigrew also helped mentor the next generation of OSU players, setting a standard for excellence at the position.
Pettigrew’s impact at OSU went beyond the field, as he became one of the cornerstones of an offensive system that consistently produced high-caliber players. His ability to line up in a variety of formations allowed offensive coordinators to be creative in their play calling, and his athleticism helped him stand out among the best players in the conference.
Pettigrew’s time at OSU may not fit the traditional mold of a wide receiver, but his value to the team and the way he could contribute as a receiving threat earns him a spot on this list.
Honorable Mentions
There are several other receivers who could have easily been named to the list, depending on one’s criteria or preferences:
- Derrick Mason (1991–1996): Mason is one of the most successful OSU receivers of all time. He had a productive college career, and his talent was transferred to a lengthy NFL career where he became a Pro Bowler. He made numerous catches for OSU, and his career served as a launching pad for his professional success.
- J.W. Walsh (2010–2014): While primarily known for his versatility at quarterback, Walsh often lined up as a wide receiver and had an impact as a multi-dimensional player for OSU.
- Dez Bryant (2007–2009): Bryant is one of the most electrifying wide receivers to ever step foot on OSU’s field. Though his college career was cut short due to NCAA suspension, his impact as a playmaker cannot be understated.