Oklahoma State Ranks Ninth in ESPN's 2021 Preseason FPI

STILLWATER, Ok. – While a good number of teams experienced some form of COVID-19 setback during 2020, Oklahoma State was solid all the way through the season and finished with an 8-3 overall record. The season was capped with an impressive 37-34 win over No. 18 ranked Miami in the Cheez-It Bowl.

While they lose some big-time playmakers like Teven Jenkins, Tylan Wallace, Rodarius Williams, Chuba Hubbard and Amen Ogbongbemiga, Mike Gundy and Co. return a bulk of the team in 2021 and are set to make a lot of noise and ESPN certainly agrees.

The “Mothership” released its annual preseason FPI (Football Power Index) rankings, and the Cowboys are sitting pretty at No. 9 in country. Here’s a quick description on the FPI for those who are unfamiliar, the FPI is a “predictive rating system designed to measure team strength and project performance going forward.”

ESPN predicts an 8.0-4.2 record for the Pokes and gives them a 95.9% chance to reach six wins, but just a 3.6% chance of winning the Big 12, a 4.8% chance of making the playoffs, a 1.5% chance of making the national title game and just a 0.4% chance of winning the title.

Obviously, a lot could happen between now and the start of the season, the Cowboys are off to a solid start in Spring Football. Returning starting quarterback Spencer Sanders has played in 20 games as a Cowboy and his 4,072 career passing yards rank behind only Mason Rudolph for the second-most yards for an OSU sophomore.

The running backs room should be one of the best in the conference as they return LD Brown, Dezmon Jackson and Dominic Richardson, who combined for 1,207 yards and nine touchdowns.

The offensive line returns a solid group led by senior Josh Sills and while they were young and suffered some setbacks last season, are completely healthy and gained a ton of experience in 2020.

The receiver corps are incredibly athletic, but Kasey Dunn will be looking for his leader to replace Tylan Wallace and Dillon Stoner. Guys to watch for are Brennan Presley, Tay Martin and Braydon Johnson.

While it’s missing guys like Amen Ogbongbemiga, Rodarius Williams and Cam Murray, the defense is set to return a ton of talent and experience in 2021. Led by Kolby Harvell-Peel, Tre Sterling and Jarrick Bernard-Converse, the secondary is set to be one of the best in the country. Thomas Harper, Christian Holmes lead the corners and Jim Knowles returns Malcolm Rodriguez and Devin Harper in the middle The defensive line should also be dangerous as it returns Trace Ford, Israel Antwine, Collin Oliver, Brock Martin and Kody Walterscheid on the outside.

Oklahoma State’s 2021 schedule with FPI Rating and Rankings