Could Ollie Gordon Win Back-to-Back Doak Walker Awards?
After a breakout season, Oklahoma State’s star running back has an opportunity to join elite company.
In 2023, Ollie Gordon II won the Doak Walker Award to become the first player in OSU history to earn the honor. In 2024, Gordon has the chance to become the first in OSU history to win the award in back-to-back seasons.
Of course, after catching defenses off guard early last season, Gordon will be at the top of every team’s scouting report coming into 2024. Gordon led the nation in rushing with 1,732 yards and ran for 21 touchdowns.
Even with added attention toward the end of the season, Gordon finished the season with nine games of at least 100 yards rushing, all coming in the last 11 games.
If Gordon can carry OSU’s offense like last season, he could join some of the best running backs in recent college football history as the only players with multiple Doak Walker Awards. Ricky Williams, Darren McFadden and Jonathan Taylor are the only three to do it, all winning in back-to-back seasons.
Gordon’s chances of winning the award will go beyond his raw stats. As he did in 2023, his role as the engine of the Cowboys’ offense will play a significant role in any national award campaigns.
To end his regular season as a sophomore, Gordon had to provide some heroics to get OSU to the Big 12 Championship Game. With five touchdowns, including three in the last minute of regulation and overtime, Gordon helped OSU come back from an 18-point halftime deficit.
Although OSU lost in the Big 12 Championship against Texas, it will have one of its best opportunities to win the conference in more than a decade next season. If Gordon can lead his team to the conference title, it would put OSU in the College Football Playoff and may secure a trip to New York and a second straight Doak Walker Award for the Cowboys’ star.
Want to join the discussion? Like AllPokes on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest Cowboys news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.
