Spring practice for Oklahoma State football is just around the corner, and the buzz is all about the fresh faces joining the Cowboys. More than 30 new players are onboard this spring, with almost the same number eyeing an arrival in June. Changes aren’t limited to the roster; head coach Mike Gundy has also overhauled his staff, bringing new coordinators and assistants for both offense and defense.
Coming off a disappointing 3-9 season, the worst in Gundy’s two-decade leadership, the injection of new energy offers a hopeful distraction from last year’s struggles. However, the team can’t rely solely on newcomers. There are many seasoned players returning who will play crucial roles. Let’s explore five returning Cowboys who have the most at stake this spring.
### Zane Flores: The Quarterback Contender
Among the quartet of quarterbacks, Zane Flores stands out. Though yet to make a college game appearance, his 6-foot-4, 215-pound frame and impressive arm strength make him a player to watch. Despite his inexperience in games, Flores has impressed during practice throughout his two seasons with OSU. This spring presents his first real shot at competing for the starting position. While redshirt junior Garret Rangel brings experience and TCU transfer Hauss Hejny offers familiarity with new offensive coordinator Doug Meacham, Flores’ potential shouldn’t be dismissed. He may not match Hejny’s speed, but Flores brings a balanced skill set to the pitch, and he’s ready to prove himself in upcoming practice sessions.
### Talyn Shettron: Receiver Ready to Shine
Despite missing some action due to injury, Talyn Shettron is back as OSU’s leading returning receiver, having managed 12 catches for 245 yards and a touchdown last season. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing in at 195 pounds, Shettron enters his redshirt junior year poised to fill a pivotal role. With plenty of smaller, quicker receivers on the squad such as Gavin Freeman and Da’Wain Lofton, Shettron’s size positions him as a prime candidate for stretching the field.
### Jaleel Johnson: Defensive End with a New Lease
Injuries hampered Jaleel Johnson when he seemed on the verge of a breakthrough, but the 6-foot-5, 260-pound redshirt junior now finds opportunity knocking once more. Under new defensive coordinator Todd Grantham, Johnson is training to play a crucial role as an outside linebacker—an important component in Grantham’s defense, primarily serving as an edge rusher. Johnson, originally a conventional defensive end, now has the chance to amplify his impact in a more agile, multifaceted defensive role.
### Dylan Smith: Holding Down the Defense
Dylan Smith will see a significantly revamped safety lineup this season, both in configuration and personnel. Smith’s versatility as a tackler and man in coverage makes him invaluable. The safety position has seen a major influx of talent, meaning Smith and his peers will need to assert themselves to secure their spots. Smith, who boasts 63 tackles and two interceptions in his career so far, faces a crucial juncture as he preps for his junior year.
### Logan Ward: Kicking for Consistency
Once a punter and kickoff specialist, Logan Ward took on placekicking duties last year. Although he began well, his reliability waned as the season progressed. Gabe Panikowski, the top placekicker below Division I, joins OSU from Idaho State, bringing competition to the position. Ward’s leg strength is undeniable, but rediscovering his early-season consistency will be key to retaining his role.
As spring practice unfolds, these returning Cowboys will be pivotal as OSU transitions into a new era, carrying the anticipation and hopes of becoming formidable competitors on the field once again.
