Oklahoma State Star Running Back Was 'Never Really Going Anywhere'

Oklahoma State took down Texas A&M 31-23 in the Texas Bowl as they wrapped up their season with a 10-4 record. While Rashod Owens and Brennan Presley were the stars of the show offensively, Cowboys star Ollie Gordon did his thing, per usual.

Gordon finished with 118 rushing yards on 27 carries, adding a touchdown. This was destined to happen after the season he had. During the performance, Gordon already had to relief knowing he had announced his return to the program for the 2024 season.

"I was really never going anywhere. The whole time we were doing it for recruiting, honestly," Gordon explained. "I was coming back the whole time. My whole team's coming back, my whole O-line, my receivers, defense. Mainly, everybody's coming back."

After the bowl win, Gordon finishes his 2023 football campaign with 1,732 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns on the ground on 285 carries. He adds 324 receiving yards to give him 2,062 all-purpose yards on the year. 

Now, Gordon gets to return to an offense that he'll be a focal point in. His offensive line is returning, as well as his core receivers, as he alluded to. Gordon and the Cowboys' offense will be set up nicely for their 2024 campaign.

"I wouldn't want to play anywhere else where I don't feel comfortable. I feel comfortable here and everybody's comfortable with each other, so why would I leave," Gordon continued.

Then, Gordon explained what kind of expectations he has both for himself and Oklahoma State next season. With his return, he's a firm believer in the program's potential.

"For one, we gotta make the playoffs, New Year's Six," Gordon said. "I feel like the Heisman Trophy has to come back to Stillwater. I feel like that's a huge thing."

As we've seen in the Mike Gundy era at Oklahoma State, a playoff appearance isn't out of the realm. With the 12-team playoffs coming into action in the 2024 season, the Cowboys' chances to make the playoffs go up substantially. 

For Gordon wanting to win a Heisman, that isn't entirely far-fetched either. He finished No. 7 in the Heisman voting this season. That was, of course, after barely playing in the first few weeks of action.