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Preseason rankings always create debate.
Who is too high?
Who is being overlooked?
Which player deserves more respect?
When it comes to Oklahoma State running back Caleb Hawkins, I’m not especially concerned with where he ranks among Big 12 players.
The bigger story is where he ranks nationally.
Pro Football Focus recently graded Hawkins as the Big 12’s top returning running back. That is impressive, especially considering he spent last season at North Texas rather than in the conference. But PFF also ranked him as the No. 3 returning running back in the entire country. That distinction tells us far more about his potential impact at Oklahoma State.
Being considered the best returning running back in the Big 12 is meaningful.
This conference has no shortage of talented backs, including BYU’s L.J. Martin, Texas Tech’s J’Koby Williams and Hawkins’ new Oklahoma State teammate Tre Page III.
Still, conference rankings are often separated by small margins.
A player can move from fifth to first after one great month. Injuries, offensive-line play and team success can completely reshape the conversation before October.
That’s why I don’t believe Hawkins’ conference placement is the most important takeaway.
The national ranking places him in a different category.
He isn’t merely being projected as one of Oklahoma State’s best players.
He is being recognized as one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in college football.
The recognition isn’t based entirely on projection.
Hawkins rushed for 1,434 yards, averaged 6.2 yards per carry and scored 25 rushing touchdowns during his freshman season at North Texas. He finished with 29 total touchdowns, setting an NCAA freshman record. His 94.1 PFF grade was the best among all college running backs and the highest grade PFF has given a true freshman at the position since it began grading college players in 2014.
Those aren’t promising numbers.
Those are elite numbers.
The question isn’t whether Hawkins can produce.
It’s whether he can carry that production into the Big 12 while becoming the centerpiece of Eric Morris’ offense in Stillwater.
Oklahoma State needs difference-makers as it begins a new era under Morris.
Hawkins gives the Cowboys one immediately.
A nationally respected running back can change how defenses prepare for an offense. Opponents may have to commit additional defenders to stopping the run, creating more opportunities for Drew Mestemaker and the passing game.
That makes Hawkins valuable beyond his own statistics.
His presence could make the entire offense more dangerous.
It also gives Oklahoma State someone capable of earning major postseason recognition. Hawkins should naturally enter the conversation for the Doak Walker Award, which honors the nation’s top running back and was won by former Cowboy Ollie Gordon III in 2023.
Hawkins didn’t receive a preseason All-Big 12 selection despite owning the best PFF grade among the conference’s returning backs.
That might frustrate some Oklahoma State fans.
It doesn’t bother me.
Preseason teams are forgotten quickly once games begin.
If Hawkins produces anything close to what he accomplished at North Texas, nobody will care where he was ranked in July. He’ll have an opportunity to become one of the faces of the Big 12—and potentially one of the biggest stars in college football.
Being ranked first in the Big 12 is a nice compliment.
Being ranked third nationally is a statement.
It tells us Hawkins isn’t simply expected to help Oklahoma State improve. He is expected to become one of the most impactful running backs in the sport.
Now he has to prove he can deliver against stronger competition and greater expectations.
Based on everything he accomplished as a freshman, that challenge doesn’t feel too big for him.
Conference rankings tell us how Caleb Hawkins compares to the players around him.
His national ranking tells us just how special Oklahoma State believes he can become.
Continue reading...
Who is too high?
Who is being overlooked?
Which player deserves more respect?
When it comes to Oklahoma State running back Caleb Hawkins, I’m not especially concerned with where he ranks among Big 12 players.
The bigger story is where he ranks nationally.
Pro Football Focus recently graded Hawkins as the Big 12’s top returning running back. That is impressive, especially considering he spent last season at North Texas rather than in the conference. But PFF also ranked him as the No. 3 returning running back in the entire country. That distinction tells us far more about his potential impact at Oklahoma State.
The Big 12 Ranking Is Only the Beginning
Being considered the best returning running back in the Big 12 is meaningful.
This conference has no shortage of talented backs, including BYU’s L.J. Martin, Texas Tech’s J’Koby Williams and Hawkins’ new Oklahoma State teammate Tre Page III.
Still, conference rankings are often separated by small margins.
A player can move from fifth to first after one great month. Injuries, offensive-line play and team success can completely reshape the conversation before October.
That’s why I don’t believe Hawkins’ conference placement is the most important takeaway.
The national ranking places him in a different category.
He isn’t merely being projected as one of Oklahoma State’s best players.
He is being recognized as one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in college football.
His Freshman Season Justifies the Hype
The recognition isn’t based entirely on projection.
Hawkins rushed for 1,434 yards, averaged 6.2 yards per carry and scored 25 rushing touchdowns during his freshman season at North Texas. He finished with 29 total touchdowns, setting an NCAA freshman record. His 94.1 PFF grade was the best among all college running backs and the highest grade PFF has given a true freshman at the position since it began grading college players in 2014.
Those aren’t promising numbers.
Those are elite numbers.
The question isn’t whether Hawkins can produce.
It’s whether he can carry that production into the Big 12 while becoming the centerpiece of Eric Morris’ offense in Stillwater.
National Recognition Raises Oklahoma State’s Ceiling
Oklahoma State needs difference-makers as it begins a new era under Morris.
Hawkins gives the Cowboys one immediately.
A nationally respected running back can change how defenses prepare for an offense. Opponents may have to commit additional defenders to stopping the run, creating more opportunities for Drew Mestemaker and the passing game.
That makes Hawkins valuable beyond his own statistics.
His presence could make the entire offense more dangerous.
It also gives Oklahoma State someone capable of earning major postseason recognition. Hawkins should naturally enter the conversation for the Doak Walker Award, which honors the nation’s top running back and was won by former Cowboy Ollie Gordon III in 2023.
The Rankings Will Eventually Take Care of Themselves
Hawkins didn’t receive a preseason All-Big 12 selection despite owning the best PFF grade among the conference’s returning backs.
That might frustrate some Oklahoma State fans.
It doesn’t bother me.
Preseason teams are forgotten quickly once games begin.
If Hawkins produces anything close to what he accomplished at North Texas, nobody will care where he was ranked in July. He’ll have an opportunity to become one of the faces of the Big 12—and potentially one of the biggest stars in college football.
Final Thoughts
Being ranked first in the Big 12 is a nice compliment.
Being ranked third nationally is a statement.
It tells us Hawkins isn’t simply expected to help Oklahoma State improve. He is expected to become one of the most impactful running backs in the sport.
Now he has to prove he can deliver against stronger competition and greater expectations.
Based on everything he accomplished as a freshman, that challenge doesn’t feel too big for him.
Conference rankings tell us how Caleb Hawkins compares to the players around him.
His national ranking tells us just how special Oklahoma State believes he can become.
Continue reading...
