Eric Morris: Oklahoma State Still Working Through Braylin Presley's Eligibility

Braylin Presley is back at Oklahoma State, but exactly when he'll be able to take the field for the Cowboys remains uncertain.

Head coach Eric Morris provided an update on the former Oklahoma State and Tulsa playmaker this week, explaining that the program is still navigating the eligibility questions surrounding Presley's midseason return.

“We are still working through all the eligibility pieces, what that looks like, if he's going to be ready to go, when that is,” Morris said.

The update comes after Presley returned to Stillwater four games into the 2026 season, giving Oklahoma State another potential offensive weapon as the Cowboys prepare for Saturday's Big 12 home opener against UCF.

Presley, listed as a 5-foot-6, 170-pound wide receiver wearing No. 83, officially joined Oklahoma State's roster on October 5.

His return became possible following a September court ruling involving eight athletes seeking additional eligibility. However, that ruling does not necessarily mean every administrative question surrounding his ability to play has been resolved.

For now, Oklahoma State is taking a measured approach.

“We'll kind of fit him in, see where we can fit in,” Morris said.

Presley originally signed with Oklahoma State as part of its 2022 recruiting class and appeared in seven games before transferring to Tulsa, where he spent the next three seasons.

His versatility could make him an intriguing addition to Morris' offense. Presley has experience contributing as a receiver, running back and return specialist, potentially giving the Cowboys another option in a system that emphasizes speed, spacing and getting playmakers into favorable matchups.

However, Oklahoma State already has an established group of offensive contributors. Quarterback Drew Mestemaker has developed strong connections with receivers Wyatt Young, Miles Coleman, Justin Bowick and Chris Barnes, while running back Caleb Hawkins has emerged as a significant part of the offense.

That means Presley will have to find his place within a unit that has already developed chemistry through the opening month of the season.

And Morris acknowledged just how difficult that transition could be for someone arriving after the season has already started.

“Obviously, extremely hard, and really unfair to the kid, right in the middle of the season bringing him in,” Morris said. “You're throwing him in trying to learn all this new verbiage when everybody's been doing it for 10 or 11 months now.”

While the Cowboys have had months to develop familiarity with Morris' system, Presley must now attempt to catch up while the team is preparing for conference opponents each week.

His connection to Oklahoma State also extends beyond his own playing career. Older brother Brennan Presley became one of the most productive receivers in Cowboys history, finishing his career with 315 receptions and 3,315 receiving yards. Younger brother Braeden Presley is also part of Oklahoma State's program as a freshman defensive back.

Morris indicated that the family's character played a role in the program's comfort with bringing Braylin back into the fold.

For Presley, the opportunity represents an unexpected return to the school where his college career began.

For Oklahoma State, it presents another potential option as the Cowboys look to build on their three-game winning streak.

But with the No. 18 Cowboys preparing to face UCF this weekend, Morris made one thing clear: Presley's return to the program doesn't yet establish when he'll be ready or eligible to contribute on game day.