Local Media Are Buying Into Oklahoma State's Offense, Too

All offseason, I've written about why I'm high on Drew Mestemaker and Oklahoma State's offense.

National writers have noticed too, placing the North Texas transfer on preseason lists and recognizing the potential Eric Morris brings to Stillwater.

Now, even those closest to the program are beginning to buy in.

KTUL Tulsa sports anchor Camryn Johnson recently joined Tyler Jones on The Jones Report and came away optimistic after what she saw during spring camp.

"Just based on the vibes I've seen and the buy-in, I'm very excited to watch this team," Johnson said.

One of the unique aspects of Morris' first season is that so much of the offense is arriving with him from North Texas. That familiarity, particularly in the backfield and skill positions, gives Oklahoma State something most first-year coaching staffs don't have.

Chemistry.

Johnson believes that's what makes this transition so fascinating.

"It's a really interesting situation because a lot of the times you get a new head coach and you bring in players from all over in the transfer portal," Johnson said. "This guy basically brings over half of North Texas. On one hand, you've got the team chemistry there, especially in the backfield and on offense, but that doesn't necessarily mean the whole team is going to click against a different level of competition. It'll be fun to watch. Can it translate? That's the big question."

That's been the question all offseason.

Oklahoma State isn't starting from scratch offensively. Morris brought quarterback Drew Mestemaker, running back Caleb Hawkins and several familiar faces from North Texas to Stillwater. The chemistry is already there.

What nobody knows is whether the success that made North Texas one of the nation's most explosive offenses can immediately carry over to one of the toughest conferences in college football.

Johnson believes the transition may be smoother than many expect.

"I don't think it's going to be a total wake-up call situation," Johnson said. "Ultimately, I'm going to be optimistic and say that it is a smoother transition. Maybe not perfect, but smoother than people would think."

That optimism extends to quarterback Drew Mestemaker.

Johnson admitted she was impressed by what she saw from the North Texas transfer during the spring game and believes the familiarity with his teammates could help ease the jump to a higher level of competition.

"I think he has a very high ceiling," Johnson said. "I think the fact that he'll have familiarity with the guys he's throwing to and handing the ball off to will go a long way. I expect him to do big things this year."

As for expectations, Johnson isn't quite ready to put Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Championship conversation.

After a one-win season and no conference victories over the last two years, she sees six or seven wins as a realistic and successful season.

And honestly, that may be where the disconnect between local observers and some national analysts exists.

Everyone seems to agree Oklahoma State will be better.

The debate is simply how much better.

For those expecting another one-win season, Johnson's comments are another sign that people close to the program are seeing something different.

Maybe not a conference champion.

But perhaps a smoother transition than many expect.