Oklahoma State Football Freshman Report: Who Is Rising in Fall Ball

The Oklahoma State Cowboys football team could have some young stars on the two-deep by the time fall workouts are done.

Oklahoma State wide receiver Jabarie Thornton. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Breaking into any position as a true freshman is difficult. For a program like Oklahoma State there are more openings.

That's because the Cowboys are coming off a 1-11 season and new head coach Eric Morris has turned over the roster. Just a handful of players are back from last year's team. With so many new pieces, Morris and his staff are willing to give new players more opportunity to win jobs.

Plus, with the new age-based eligibility rule, the so-called “five-for-five,” Morris and his staff don't have to worry about redshirts. If a freshman earns the playing time, then they'll play.

After four workouts, here are three true freshmen that have caught Morris’ eye and could be in line for more playing time than expected when the season begins.

RB KD Jones

Oklahoma State's KD Jones. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

This isn’t a big surprise. Jones was one of the most sought-after backs in the state last year. At Jenks (Okla.) High School, one of the state’s best programs, he wrapped up a career in which he set program records for rushing yards (4,742), all-purpose yards (5,798), rushing touchdowns (67) and total touchdowns.

So, Morris is already looking for ways to get him into the running back rotation, even as Caleb Hawkins — who is only a sophomore — is the clear starter.

“When you look at a young guy in KD that's shown some explosion and he's matured a lot during this time,” Morris said of the early enrollee.

At 5-11, 186 pounds, he could be a change-of-pace back or a receiver out of the backfield on obvious passing downs to start the season.

WR Dayvon Standard

Desert Edge Scorpions Dayvon Standard, right. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The Goodyear, Ariz., product opted not to enroll early and finish out his senior year at Desert Edge High School. Morris has been surprised at how quickly Standard has picked up the offense and has the 6-4, 185-pounder in the mix for a role as a red-zone target.

“A six-four wide receiver. It wouldn't surprise me if he pushed himself into the rotation,” Morris said.

With the Air Raid, it’s not necessary for Standard to know the whole offense to make an impact. He can work in a set package of plays that take advantage of his length in jump ball situations. The only Cowboys receiver who is taller is Justin Bowick at 6-5.

WR Jabarie Thornton

The Cowboys have 14 wide receivers in camp and three of them have considerable credentials, which leads one to believe that Wyatt Young, Chris Barnes and Bowick will be the primary starters. But in just a few days of fall camp Thornton, a freshman from La Vega High in Waco, Texas, already has Morris talking about him moving up the depth chart.

“I think's he continuing to improve,” Morris said. “You know, he's moved kind of from the threes and fours and getting some reps up with the ones and twos right now.”

The 5-11, 185-pound Thornton was a high producer in high school. He had back-to-back 1,000-yard season, which included 83 receptions in 2025. He can also return kicks, so he’s getting competition for reps with Barnes and other return candidates. He could earn himself a role there right away. He returned two kicks for touchdowns at La Vega.