Former University of North Texas phenom and Oklahoma native, Caleb Hawkins commits to Oklahoma State
STILLWATER, Okla. —
North Texas transfer running back Caleb Hawkins announced his commitment to Oklahoma State University on January 4, 2026, via X (formerly Twitter). The freshman phenom, who exploded onto the college football scene in 2025, shared a simple yet emphatic post: “100% committed🟠⚪️,” tagging new OSU head coach Eric Morris, running backs coach Paul Cobbs, and the Cowboy Football account.
This decision reunites Hawkins with Morris, under whom he thrived during his breakout season at North Texas, marking a significant early win for OSU in the transfer portal era.
Hawkins, a native of Shawnee, Oklahoma, hails from North Rock Creek High School, where he established himself as a dominant force in the state’s high school ranks.
As a three-star recruit in the class of 2025, he committed to North Texas out of high school, choosing the Mean Green over offers from Central Oklahoma and Emporia State.
During his senior year at North Rock Creek, Hawkins showcased his all-around talent, rushing for 1,602 yards on 204 carries with 28 touchdowns. He added 17 receptions for 407 yards and three more scores, proving his versatility as a receiving threat out of the backfield. His high school stats painted the picture of a durable, explosive back capable of grinding out tough yards while also breaking big plays.
Transitioning to college, Hawkins didn’t miss a beat in his freshman campaign at North Texas in 2025. Under Morris’ offensive scheme, he became the FBS leader in touchdowns, tallying an astounding 29 scores, 26 total, including 23 rushing touchdowns according to some reports, though consensus figures peg him at 29 overall. He carried the ball 231 times for 1,434 rushing yards, averaging around 6.2 yards per carry, and contributed 32 catches for 370 receiving yards. Other sources highlight his total offense at 1,804 yards, underscoring his role as the engine of UNT’s attack.
Hawkins’ production helped North Texas achieve a balanced offense, with Morris praising the unit’s equilibrium between passing and running. His standout performances earned him All-American buzz and positioned him as the top running back in the transfer portal, drawing interest from SEC powers like Texas and Georgia before he chose OSU.
The connection to Eric Morris is the linchpin of this commitment. Morris, hired by Oklahoma State on November 25, 2025, to replace longtime coach Mike Gundy, brought his high-octane offensive philosophy from North Texas, where he served as head coach.
Hawkins played just one season under Morris but flourished, crediting the coach’s system for unlocking his potential. Morris has run out of superlatives for Hawkins, describing him as a cornerstone of UNT’s success and a player who embodies the balance between power and finesse.
With Morris now in Stillwater, Hawkins becomes part of an exodus from Denton, joining speculated transfers like quarterback Drew Mestemaker in bolstering OSU’s roster.
This reunion is seen as a quick fix for the Cowboys, who struggled with consistency in the ground game during a transitional 2025 season.
At 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, Hawkins brings a prototypical build for Big 12 competition, strong enough to break tackles between the hashes yet agile for outside runs and screen passes.
His arrival addresses a key need for OSU, providing a bell-cow back who can shoulder 200-plus carries while contributing in the passing game. Analysts project him as an instant starter, potentially elevating the Cowboys’ offense to contend in a reloaded Big 12.
Beyond the stats, Hawkins’ decision resonates on a personal level. As an Oklahoma native, returning home to play for a program with a rich history of running back excellence, from Barry Sanders to Chuba Hubbard, feels like it was meant to be.
Looking ahead, Hawkins’ sophomore season in 2026 could be transformative for Oklahoma State. With Morris installing his scheme and Hawkins as the focal point, the Cowboys aim to rebound from recent mediocrity and push for a conference title. His portal entry reset the market for running backs, and OSU snagged a gem. Caleb Hawkins is poised to ride into Boone Pickens Stadium and leave his mark.