Four-star linebacker Israel Hammons is the biggest commitment of the Eric Morris era so far. The in-state standout chose Oklahoma State over Texas and other major programs, giving the Cowboys a potential future leader in the mold of Malcolm Rodriguez and Nick Martin.
The offense has dominated the headlines throughout Eric Morris' first recruiting cycle.
Quarterbacks.
Wide receivers.
Offensive linemen.
Speed.
Firepower.
But perhaps the biggest commitment of the Eric Morris era so far came on the other side of the ball.
Four-star Choctaw linebacker Israel Hammons announced his commitment to Oklahoma State, choosing the Cowboys over Texas, Kentucky, Utah and Vanderbilt.
And that makes this one feel different.
Not only is Hammons one of the top prospects in Oklahoma and one of the highest-rated recruits to commit under Morris, but Oklahoma State managed to keep an elite in-state player home while beating out some of college football's biggest brands in the process.
For a program coming off a one-win season and entering a new era under Morris, that's significant.
t's also a major win for defensive coordinator Skyler Cassity and linebackers coach Reggie Johnson, who helped make Hammons feel like a priority throughout the recruiting process.
Perhaps the biggest takeaway, however, is balance.
After loading up on offensive talent early in the class, Oklahoma State is beginning to establish an identity on defense as well.
Hammons joins fellow defensive commits Bryson Brown and Chayce Davis, giving the Cowboys three high-upside defensive players in the class.
And unlike some of the offensive additions, Hammons represents something Oklahoma State fans have been hoping to see more of.
Keeping elite Oklahoma talent in Oklahoma.
There's also something fitting about where this class is beginning to take shape defensively.
Brown and Davis give Oklahoma State speed and playmaking ability on the outside.
Hammons, meanwhile, gives the Cowboys someone in the middle.
And that's often where great defenses are built.
Linebackers are the quarterbacks of the defense. They're the leaders, the communicators and the heartbeat of the unit.
While Brown and Davis may make highlight plays on the perimeter, Hammons projects as the type of player fans could see anchoring the entire defense.
In many ways, this commitment feels bigger than just another four-star prospect.
Oklahoma State fans know how impactful great linebackers can be.
Malcolm Rodriguez became one of the most beloved players in program history before carving out an NFL career with the Detroit Lions.
Nick Martin emerged as one of the nation's top linebackers and a leader of the Cowboys defense.
Even Mason Cobb spent one memorable season in Stillwater before becoming one of the most productive defenders in the Big 12.
That's what makes this commitment so intriguing.
Israel Hammons has the potential to follow in those footsteps.
And if he does, Oklahoma State may have just landed a player fans recognize as the face of the defense for years to come.
The Eric Morris era isn't just about scoring points.
It's about building a roster capable of competing for championships.
And with one of the state's top prospects now committed to the Cowboys, the future of that defense suddenly looks a lot brighter.
