A season of recognition
As the new college football season approaches, the Oklahoma State Cowboys are generating buzz not only for their on‑field potential but also for the individual accolades already being heaped upon several of their standout players.
Wyatt Young, a senior wide receiver who transferred from North Texas, has been placed on the watch list for the Biletnikoff Award, the honor bestowed upon the nation’s most outstanding pass catcher. In his previous season he amassed 1,264 receiving yards and scored ten touchdowns, numbers that have put him on the radar of voters and analysts alike.
Caleb Hawkins, a freshman running back, earned a spot on the Doak Walker Award watch list, a preseason nod that celebrates the most dynamic rushers in the sport. Hawkins burst onto the scene with a staggering 29 rushing touchdowns, a tally that not only led the nation but also signaled a promising start to his collegiate career.
Drew Mestemaker, an upperclassman quarterback, received a nomination for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, which recognizes excellence at the quarterback position among seniors and juniors. He threw for 4,379 yards and 34 touchdowns during the 2025 campaign, underscoring his role as a prolific playmaker.
Ethan Wesloski, a linebacker, was included on the Butkus Award watch list, the preseason watch list that highlights the nation’s top linebackers, and he also earned a nomination for the Campbell Trophy, often referred to as the Academic Heisman for its emphasis on scholarly achievement and leadership.
Balancing athletics and academics
The recognitions reflect a broader narrative of athletes who excel both on the gridiron and in the classroom, illustrating how Oklahoma State’s program is cultivating talent that is competitive at the highest levels of college football while also emphasizing academic distinction.
Coaches and faculty alike attribute the players’ dual successes to a culture that rewards hard work in practice and scholarship, a combination that could prove pivotal as the Cowboys aim to contend for conference titles and national relevance.