Oklahoma State added plenty of talent through the transfer portal, but three newcomers stand above the rest. I rank the Cowboys' biggest impact additions for 2026 and explain why Drew Mestemaker, Caleb Hawkins and Wyatt Young could determine how quickly Eric Morris' rebuild takes off.
Which Oklahoma State newcomer will have the biggest impact in 2026?
When a program undergoes the type of roster overhaul Oklahoma State experienced this offseason, every newcomer carries a certain level of intrigue. While dozens of fresh faces will have opportunities to contribute, only a handful have the potential to truly shape the Cowboys' season.
Sports Illustrated recently highlighted three transfers expected to make the biggest impact in 2026. I agree with the names, but if I'm ranking them based on who matters most to Oklahoma State's success this season, my list looks a little different.
3. Wyatt Young
There's no question Wyatt Young will become one of Drew Mestemaker's favorite targets.
The First Team All-AAC receiver arrives in Stillwater after thriving in Eric Morris' offense at North Texas, meaning there shouldn't be much of an adjustment period. He already understands the terminology, route concepts and expectations, giving Oklahoma State an experienced weapon from Day 1.
That familiarity alone makes him valuable.
While Young should put together an impressive season, wide receiver is one of the deepest positions on the roster. Oklahoma State has several capable pass catchers who can help spread the field and create explosive plays.
Young will absolutely make the offense better.
I just don't think the Cowboys' season depends on him the way it does the next two players.
2. Caleb Hawkins
If Oklahoma State wants to take pressure off its new quarterback, Caleb Hawkins has to be a difference-maker.
The North Texas transfer brings explosiveness, versatility and, just as importantly, experience in Morris' offensive system. He's the type of running back who forces defenses to respect the ground game, creating easier throwing windows and keeping opposing pass rushers honest.
That's invaluable for a quarterback making the jump to the Big 12.
A productive rushing attack also allows Morris to call games the way he wants instead of asking Mestemaker to throw 40-plus times every week.
Hawkins may not receive as much attention as the quarterback, but he could quietly become one of the biggest reasons Oklahoma State's offense takes a major step forward.
1. Drew Mestemaker
This one wasn't difficult.
I've said throughout the offseason that Oklahoma State's rebuild begins with Drew Mestemaker.
Quarterback is the most important position in sports, and everything Eric Morris wants to accomplish offensively depends on how quickly Mestemaker adjusts to Power Four competition.
The talent is obvious.
The familiarity with Morris' system is already there.
Now comes the biggest challenge of his career.
If Mestemaker proves he can make the leap from North Texas to the Big 12, Oklahoma State suddenly becomes a dangerous team capable of exceeding expectations.
If he struggles, the rebuild likely takes longer than anyone hopes.
That's why no newcomer carries more pressure—or more opportunity—than Oklahoma State's new quarterback.
Final Thoughts
The encouraging part for Cowboy fans is that all three of these players arrive with experience in Eric Morris' offense. That should accelerate the learning curve and help Oklahoma State establish its identity much faster than a typical first-year coaching staff.
Every newcomer will play a role in the Cowboys' turnaround.
When the 2026 season is over, don't be surprised if these three are remembered as the players who made the biggest difference.
Because while roster overhauls create hope, quarterbacks, playmakers and difference-makers are what ultimately change seasons.
