Oklahoma State just missed the preseason USA TODAY Coaches Poll Top 25, receiving 22 votes. The respect is starting to build nationally, but Eric Morris' team still has to prove it belongs among college football's best. The opportunity is there—now it's time to earn it.
Did OSU deserve to be in the Top 25?
Preseason rankings always create debate.
Someone is overrated.
Someone is underrated.
Someone is left wondering what else they need to do.
This year, Oklahoma State finds itself in that final category.
The Cowboys received 22 votes in the preseason USA TODAY Coaches Poll, falling just short of the Top 25. Meanwhile, four Big 12 programs cracked the rankings: Texas Tech (No. 12), BYU (No. 15), Utah (No. 21) and Houston (No. 24).
Some Oklahoma State fans will see that and immediately feel the Cowboys were overlooked.
I don't think that's entirely true.
The Respect Is Already Starting
There's an important difference between being ignored and being left just outside the rankings.
Oklahoma State wasn't ignored.
Receiving 22 votes means coaches across the country already believe the Cowboys have the talent to become a Top 25 team.
That's encouraging.
It shows Oklahoma State is on the national radar before Eric Morris coaches his first game in Stillwater.
The challenge now is turning those votes into a ranking.
Why Coaches Are Still Hesitant
At the same time, it's easy to understand why Oklahoma State didn't crack the Top 25.
There's still plenty of uncertainty.
Eric Morris is entering his first season as head coach.
Drew Mestemaker is learning a new program after transferring from North Texas.
The offensive line is rebuilding.
The roster features several newcomers expected to make immediate impacts.
On paper, the talent is exciting.
On the field, it still has to come together.
Preseason polls tend to reward continuity.
Oklahoma State has potential.
The Cowboys simply haven't had the opportunity to prove it together yet.
The Opportunity Is Right In Front of Them
The good news?
Preseason rankings don't determine anything.
September does.
If Oklahoma State lives up to the expectations surrounding Mestemaker, Caleb Hawkins and one of the Big 12's most intriguing offenses, the Cowboys won't stay outside the rankings for long.
In fact, beginning the season just outside the Top 25 may actually benefit this team.
It creates motivation.
It creates something to chase.
It removes some of the pressure that comes with opening the season already ranked.
The Big 12 Is Still Wide Open
The preseason poll also says something about the conference.
Yes, Texas Tech, BYU, Utah and Houston earned rankings.
But none of those teams enter the season looking untouchable.
The Big 12 remains one of the most competitive conferences in the country.
If Oklahoma State handles its business against quality opponents, there will be opportunities to move into the national conversation quickly.
That's exactly why the Cowboys shouldn't spend much time worrying about where they started.
They should focus on where they finish.
Respect Has to Be Earned
One thing Eric Morris has consistently emphasized since arriving in Stillwater is earning everything.
That mindset applies here too.
The Cowboys don't need to complain about missing the Top 25.
They need to go prove they belong there.
If this offense performs the way many believe it can...
If the defense continues developing...
If Oklahoma State wins football games...
The rankings will eventually reflect it.
Final Thoughts
I don't believe Oklahoma State was snubbed.
I also don't believe the Cowboys are far away.
Receiving 22 votes tells you the respect is already beginning to build nationally.
Now it's Oklahoma State's job to finish what those preseason voters started.
Because the Cowboys aren't far from the Top 25.
They're knocking on the door.
Now it's time to kick it open.
