Oklahoma State University’s special‑teams unit is undergoing a transformation that could finally give the Cowboys a weapon they have lacked for years. After a season in which only 19 punt returns and 16 kickoff returns were recorded, the program has turned its focus toward creating scoring opportunities rather than simply securing possession.
At the helm of this shift is Eric Morris, a former return specialist who brings both playing experience and coaching insight. Morris, who returned punts at Texas Tech in 2005 and handled kick returns in 2006, now drives a philosophy that prioritizes aggression: players are encouraged to score whenever they touch the football, whether on a punt or a kickoff.
A New Era for OSU Special Teams
The new mentality is already shaping practice sessions. Morris has instructed his returning corps to attack defenses with the same confidence they would use on offense, a stark contrast to past seasons when returns were treated as a means of field‑position management. This mindset is intended to raise the average return yardage, which stood at a meager 4.4 yards per punt return last year.
Two players are slated to carry the load. Chris Barnes, a Wake Forest transfer, arrives with a 98‑yard kickoff return for a touchdown against NC State on his résumé, showcasing his ability to break tackles and sprint down the sideline. Complementing him is Miles Coleman, a North Texas transfer who will handle punt duties, bringing a similar blend of speed and elusiveness that has kept opponents guessing.
The historical context adds urgency to the revamped approach. The last conventional punt return touchdown for OSU was Tyreek Hill’s Bedlam stunner in 2014, while the most recent kickoff return score came from Jaden Nixon in 2022. Since then, the team has struggled to break long returns, with only a handful of notable plays to show for years of effort.
Beyond individual talent, the broader staff is reinforcing the aggressive stance. Former returner Justin Gilbert and veteran Josh Stewart have been vocal in practice, urging younger teammates to seize every chance to turn a return into a scoring play. Trace Ford, another key contributor on special teams, has echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the unit’s success could energize the fan base and swing momentum in close games.
The first test of this new philosophy arrives on September 5, when OSU travels to face Tulsa at T.A. Chapman Stadium. The game, scheduled for a 2:45 p.m. kickoff, will serve as a litmus test for whether the aggressive approach can translate into tangible results on the field.