Former Oklahoma State standout Russell Okung has been named to the College Football Hall of Fame ballot for the Class of 2027. The unanimous All-American and sixth overall NFL Draft pick starred for the Cowboys before enjoying an 11-year professional career.
IS Russell Okung the best offensive lineman ever from OSU?
One of the greatest players in Oklahoma State football history is receiving one of the sport's highest honors.
Former Cowboys offensive tackle Russell Okung has been named to the College Football Hall of Fame ballot for the Class of 2027, adding another chapter to an already decorated football career.
The case for Okung is a strong one. Widely regarded as one of the best offensive linemen ever to come through Stillwater, he was a four-year letter winner from 2006-09 and developed into one of the nation's premier tackles during his senior season.
In 2009, Okung earned unanimous First-Team All-America honors and was named the Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year. He also captured the Jim Parker Trophy, awarded annually to the nation's top offensive lineman, while finishing as a finalist for the Outland Trophy and a semifinalist for the Lombardi Award.
Consistency became one of Okung's trademarks during his Oklahoma State career. He started 47 consecutive games and helped pave the way for four different 1,000-yard rushers. His dominance was evident even against elite competition. During his career, Okung faced future NFL stars and NCAA sack leaders Von Miller and Greg Middleton, holding both without a sack against the Cowboys.
His impact translated directly into team success. Oklahoma State reached a bowl game in all four of his seasons, including a 9-4 campaign and a No. 16 national ranking in 2008.
Those accomplishments made Okung one of the most sought-after prospects in the country and ultimately led to him being selected sixth overall by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2010 NFL Draft.
Okung went on to enjoy an 11-year NFL career with the Seahawks, Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers, and Carolina Panthers. Along the way, he earned Pro Bowl selections in 2012 and 2017 and helped Seattle capture a Super Bowl title during the 2013 season.
His leadership also became a defining characteristic of his professional career, serving as a team captain at every stop in the NFL.
Off the field, Okung has continued to make an impact. He founded the Greater Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on providing technology and educational opportunities for at-risk youth. He also served as vice president of the NFL Players Association and has become a prominent advocate for financial and economic literacy.
The College Football Hall of Fame Class of 2027 will be selected through a vote conducted by more than 12,000 members of the National Football Foundation, with the class set to be announced later this year.
For Oklahoma State fans, Okung's appearance on the ballot serves as another reminder of a career that left a lasting mark on both the Cowboys program and the game of football.
