USA Today’s post-spring re-rank places Oklahoma State at No. 93 out of 138 FBS teams, a surprisingly low spot despite preseason hype—only Colorado ranks lower in the Big 12.
USA TODAY Sports’ Paul Myerberg unveiled his comprehensive post-spring practice re-ranking of all 138 FBS college football teams on April 29.
The list reflects evaluations after spring sessions, factoring in returning talent, transfers, coaching changes, and projected improvements or regressions from the 2025 season.
Ohio State claimed the No. 1 spot, followed by Notre Dame, Texas, Georgia, and Indiana in the top five, with the Big Ten and SEC once again dominating the upper echelons of the rankings.
For Oklahoma State, the ranking lands at No. 93 overall. This placement feels surprisingly low given the preseason hype surrounding the Cowboys under new head coach Eric Morris and a roster bolstered by key transfers.
After a dismal 1-11 campaign in 2025, OSU is expected to take a major step forward with an upgraded offense imported from North Texas. Yet USA Today’s evaluators remain cautious, placing the Cowboys behind most of the conference and well outside the top half of the FBS.
Notably, only Colorado ranks lower among Big 12 teams, checking in at No. 107. The rest of the conference fared better in the re-rank, reflecting varying degrees of optimism for 2026 contenders.
Other Big 12 teams landed in stronger positions. Texas Tech, BYU, Utah, and several others cracked higher tiers, underscoring the conference’s projected competitiveness outside the traditional Power 2.
While exact placements for every member vary, the league as a whole shows a mix of established programs and teams poised for bounce-back seasons.
The 93 ranking for Oklahoma State carries a “prove-it” narrative. On paper, the Cowboys look good with quarterback Drew Mestemaker, running back Caleb Hawkins, and an infusion of offensive talent.
However, questions remain about how that potential will translate to on-field success, especially on defense and in a tough Big 12 schedule.
If Oklahoma State begins winning games early in the 2026 season, this No. 93 ranking will quickly look laughable and outdated.
Strong September performances could spark rapid upward movement in future polls and generate momentum for a bowl berth. Until the Cowboys prove themselves on Saturdays, though, the 93 spot is not overly surprising. Skeptics point to last year’s historic struggles and the challenges of implementing a new system against conference foes.
The re-rank highlights broader trends across the FBS.
Teams like LSU, Penn State, Florida State, Florida, and Virginia Tech are projected for significant leaps after underwhelming 2025 seasons. Newcomers North Dakota State debuted respectably at No. 72, while Sacramento State started near the bottom. Power conference bottom-dwellers like Stanford (106) and Purdue (112) round out weaker projections alongside Colorado.
For Oklahoma State fans, the ranking serves as both motivation and a reality check. The hype around Morris’ offensive scheme and portal additions created buzz, but national evaluators want to see execution before elevating the Cowboys. A slow start could validate the skepticism, while early wins would validate the optimism and embarrass low projections like this one.
Overall, USA Today’s 1-138 list provides an early snapshot heading into summer workouts and fall camp. With conference realignment settled and the expanded playoff format in place, every position matters. Oklahoma State sits in a prove-it window: talented enough to climb rapidly but unproven enough to warrant caution at No. 93.
The Cowboys have the pieces to make this ranking a footnote by October, if they deliver on the field.