Bleacher Report Ranks OSU as a Preseason Top 5 Team

Spring football has yet to arrive, and we’re already talking about who should be ranked in the preseason for a sport that is more than five months away. But who doesn’t want to talk a little way-too-early preseason rankings given OSU’s lofty expectations?

Bleacher Report dropped its latest rankings, and it seems they are very high on what the ceiling is for this team, ranking them as the No. 5 team ahead of OU, Clemson, and LSU.

Here’s what they said:

Oklahoma State’s offense was 12th in yards per play and 17th in points per game last season. With quarterback Mason Rudolph and wide receiver James Washington returning, those rankings may only increase.

But the Cowboys face the typical modern college football question: Can the defense stop anyone? The unit allowed 30-plus points seven times in 2016 and lost its anchor, Vincent Taylor, as well as leading tacklers Jordan Sterns and Devante Averette.

Fortunately for Oklahoma State, having a generous defense is basically a requirement to play in today’s Big 12. By no means are the Pokes heavily disadvantaged in conference play. The explosive offense, on the other hand, gives them an undeniable edge.

No. 5 is a little more bullish than most preseason projections I’ve seen, and honestly I think it might be a little too high.

Does OSU have the potential to climb into the top 5 this season? Yes. Do they have the talent to challenge for a Big 12 title and perhaps a CFP appearance? Most would say so. But putting the Cowboys over the reigning national champion and a rival team in OU that features a Heisman contender doesn’t seem too realistic.

Either way, the word is out on Oklahoma State. After a dominating Alamo Bowl win and a 10-3 (11-2*) season, the national media is catching wind of the Cowboys. And they seem to like what they see.