Oklahoma State is looking to build off its 10-win season, and special teams will be a significant factor.

The Cowboys’ offense and defense will return most of their starters from last season, yet some new faces will make an impact on special teams. While there will be no shortage of explosive plays from the Cowboys next season, using special teams to aid the in-between will be critical to their Big 12 title and College Football Playoff hopes. With recently hired kickers and punter coach Sean Snyder, the Cowboys have abundant potential.

David Arriaga, K, Fr.

Aidan Davenport, LS, R-Sr.

Shea Freibaum, LS, So.

Hudson Kaak, P, So.

Wes Pahl, P, R-Sr.

Kason Shrum, K, R-Sr.

Drake Tabor, K, R-Jr.

Logan Ward, K, R-Jr.

Kicker:

Alex Hale was a star kicker for the Cowboys in 2023, but his departure leaves some uncertainty. After transfer kicker Sam Babbush left the team, Ward likely sealed the starting job. While Tabor is a recent addition for depth and Shrum is entering his third season in Stillwater, the Cowboys are unlikely to have anyone other than Ward attempting place kicks, barring injury.

Logan Ward

Drake Tabor

David Arriaga

Kason Shrum

Punter:

Last season, the Cowboys’ two punters split time on fourth downs. Kaak punted 38 times and averaged 39.7 yards on his boots. Meanwhile, Pahl gave the Cowboys a better option for kicking deep, punting 27 times and averaging 45.1 yards on his kicks. The Cowboys might be interested in going with a similar approach next season, but it seems that Kaak is in position to be the leading punter again.

Hudson Kaak

Wes Pahl

READ MORE: Oklahoma State’s Kendal Daniels ‘Doing Good’ Ahead Of Versatile Role

Long Snapper:

After a successful season in 2023, Freibaum looks to be the clear choice to keep his spot as the Cowboys’ starting long snapper. Still, Davenport adds some depth for the Cowboys after transferring from Bucknell in the offseason.

Shea Freibaum

Aidan Davenport

Returners:

Brennan Presley and Jaden Nixon returned all but one punt or kick for OSU last season, and Nixon’s departure likely grants Presley the No. 1 spot as a returner. Oklahoma transfer Gavin Freeman will likely get some opportunities in Stillwater as well. Although he has never returned kickoffs, Freeman returned 18 punts for the Sooners in 2023, including one for a touchdown. 

Brennan Presley

Gavin Freeman

READ MORE: Ollie Gordon Highlights Doak Walker Award Watch List

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Early in fall camp, the Oklahoma Sooners running back group is in a much better spot, simply because it’s healthier. Last August, both Gavin Sawchuk and Jovantae Barnes were dealing with nagging offseason injuries, which kept them limited into the season.

As the Sooners prepare for 2024, the two four-star backs from the 2022 recruiting class appear to be healthy and ready to lead the way. But the running back position has better depth going into the season as well, with the development of Kalib Hicks and the additions of Sam Franklin, Taylor Tatum, and Xavier Robinson. Tatum was a summer arrival, but he’s already stood out with his teammates.

“I mean, he came in here day one ready to work,” Barnes said after practice via OU Insider. “You know, just sits in the meeting room. Make sure we don’t skip past anything… just making sure he understands everything. You can tell he’s a guy that’s ready to compete and ready to play.”

Every meeting and practice rep is critical for Tatum to get him up to speed after spending the spring on the diamond. The former five-star running back and No. 1 player at his position also stars in baseball. That he’s been able to make coaches and teammates take notice of his ability in just a few months speaks volumes to his talent.

“I thought he’s been really good,” Jackson Arnold said after Monday’s practice. “And I think Taylor adds a unique passing element to our game. Whether you can line up in empty or do whatever put him in the passing game. He’s very versatile. He’s definitely gonna be a good option for us this year, sort of along those lines.”

Though there may be a couple of veteran players in front of him on the depth chart, Tatum has the speed and athleticism to be a dynamic .weapon in the Sooners offense. Even if he’s not a featured back, Seth Littrell and DeMarco Murray will find ways to get him on the field whether on offense or on special teams.

The sky’s the limit for Tatum, and his Oklahoma career is on the runway, ready to take off.

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The Oklahoma State Cowboys are ramping up for the college football season. They’re in the middle of fall training camp as they look to have a quick start to the 2024 campaign. With as many returners as they have from the 2023 season — which saw the Cowboys make an appearance in the Big 12 title game — it should be quite easy.

One of the most crucial returners on the defensive side of the ball is safety Kendal Daniels. However, the strong defensive back will be seen in different roles this season after a strong offseason of putting on weight.

Daniels enters the new year at 6-foot-4, 235 pounds. The redshirt junior will continue to play in the middle safety position, but he’s been spending time working with the linebackers throughout camp.

Adding Daniels into the mix at linebacker in times he’s not playing his natural position adds flexibility to the defensive squad as they roll into the second season under Bryan Nardo’s leadership.

“He’s doing good,” Gundy said. “We’re moving Kendal around. He learned a lot of things last year. He’s one of the players I’m excited about watching this year.”

With great size, Daniels will build on an incredible 2023 campaign to anchor the Cowboys’ defense which hopes to improve plenty. They’re going to be backing up a special offense, led by superstar Ollie Gordon and a stout offensive line.

Defensively, other playmakers like Nick Martin, Collin Oliver and Cameron Epps are some names to keep an eye on when big, game-changing plays are being made.

With Oklahoma and Texas both off to the SEC, the Big 12 is wide open at the top, and the Cowboys should be able to compete for a title just one season after losing to Texas in the Big 12 title game.

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