The Oklahoma State Cowboys are riding a wave of optimism as the new season approaches, with preseason analyst Jon Rothstein already placing them at No. 7 in his Big 12 power rankings.
A New Era of Optimism
That rating comes despite the team’s 13th‑place finish in the conference last year, a position that masked a roster in flux and a schedule that tested their resilience.
Only four players from the previous campaign return, among them guard Kanye Clary, while the rest of the lineup will be shaped by a highly touted recruiting class and a series of strategic transfers.
Head coach Steve Lutz has emphasized balance and efficiency, noting that the arrival of McDonald’s All‑American forward Latrell Allmond, along with transfers Jordan Burks, Julius Halaifonua, Jacob Walker, Andrija Grbovic, Luka Bogavac and Anthony Roy, gives the squad depth at every position.
Among the newcomers, Kashie Natt is being evaluated for a starting off‑guard role, while big man Parsa Fallah is working his way back from a torn ACL, adding another layer of uncertainty and potential.
The broader context is encouraging: the Big 12 has sent at least seven teams to the NCAA tournament in each of the past four years, and with eight teams making the cut last season, the conference’s depth bodes well for the Cowboys’ own tournament aspirations.
If the chemistry clicks and the new pieces mesh, Oklahoma State could surprise many observers and contend for a higher seed than the preseason poll suggests.