Eric Morris sees Caleb Hawkins following in footsteps of Oklahoma State's legendary running backs

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Oklahoma State has a rich history of producing outstanding running backs, and head coach Eric Morris believes Caleb Hawkins belongs in the conversation about the program's next generation of stars.

Following the Cowboys' 66-28 victory over Kansas State on Saturday, Morris invoked two of the biggest names in Oklahoma State football history while discussing Hawkins' performance.

"This place is known for great running backs," Morris said. "You think about Thurman (Thomas) and Barry (Sanders) and just for years there's been running backs." "I think he's gonna fit right in line with those guys."

Those are lofty expectations for Hawkins, but the sophomore continues to provide reasons for his coach's confidence. Against Kansas State, Hawkins rushed for 175 yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries, averaging 8.8 yards per attempt. He also caught six passes for 71 yards and another touchdown.

His 246 yards from scrimmage and four total touchdowns helped Oklahoma State secure bowl eligibility for the first time since 2023. Hawkins was particularly effective early, scoring three rushing touchdowns before halftime as the Cowboys built a commanding 49-14 advantage.

His 21-yard touchdown run gave Oklahoma State the lead for good after Kansas State tied the game at seven. He followed with a 37-yard touchdown run later in the opening quarter, showcasing the explosiveness that has made him such an important part of Morris' offense.

The performance also pushed Hawkins past a significant season milestone. With 1,081 rushing yards through nine games, Hawkins became the first Oklahoma State running back to surpass 1,000 yards in a season since Ollie Gordon II rushed for 1,732 in 2023. Hawkins joins Gordon and Jaylen Warren as the only Cowboys running backs to reach that mark since 2020.

However, his impact extends beyond traditional rushing production. Entering Saturday, Hawkins led all FBS running backs with an average of 44.1 receiving yards per game. Over his last four games, he has caught 24 passes for 349 yards and three touchdowns, giving Oklahoma State another dangerous option in the passing game.

That versatility was on display against Kansas State, where Hawkins repeatedly created opportunities in open space.

"Everything was working for us on all cylinders and you can't ask for more when that's going on," Hawkins said after the victory.

His emergence has helped Oklahoma State establish one of the Big 12's most productive offenses alongside quarterback Drew Mestemaker. The Cowboys have now scored at least 40 points in consecutive games, producing 115 combined points against Iowa State and Kansas State.

For Hawkins, Saturday represented another step toward establishing his own place in Oklahoma State's running back tradition.

Thomas and Sanders set extraordinary standards in Stillwater, and Hawkins still has plenty to accomplish before approaching their historical standing. But with more than 1,000 rushing yards already this season and an increasingly prominent role in the passing game, Hawkins is building a compelling case as one of the Cowboys' most important offensive players. And Morris clearly believes his running back has the potential to carry on a proud Oklahoma State tradition.