Oklahoma State Football Legends: Ranking the Top 10 Greatest Players

Oklahoma State football, with over 120 years of history, boasts a legacy of greatness that has left an indelible mark on college sports. Established in 1901, the Cowboys have celebrated 11 conference championships and one claimed national title, alongside producing 20 consensus All-Americans and a Heisman Trophy winner. From electrifying offensive stars to game-changing defenders, the program’s history is brimming with talent. Let’s explore the 10 greatest players who have left their mark on Oklahoma State football.

10. Mason Rudolph

One of the most prolific quarterbacks in Oklahoma State history, Mason Rudolph takes the #10 spot. His name is synonymous with Cowboy passing records—he leads in career passing yards, single-season passing yards, and career passing touchdowns. Rudolph’s consistency and leadership from the quarterback position made him a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ offense, and his ability to perform under pressure ensured his legacy in Stillwater.

9. Dez Bryant

Before dominating in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys, Dez Bryant was a collegiate star at Oklahoma State. Known for his incredible athleticism and sure hands, Bryant delivered unforgettable performances. His 87 receptions in a single season rank sixth in school history, and his place in the top 10 for career receiving yards underscores his impact. Whether it was game-breaking catches or highlight-reel plays, Bryant’s time at Oklahoma State remains legendary.

8. James Washington

James Washington, a dynamic wide receiver, stands out as one of the program’s all-time greats. As the Cowboys’ career leader in receiving yards, Washington’s ability to create separation and haul in passes made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. His 226 career receptions and numerous game-changing performances showcase why he earned a spot among the top players in school history.

7. Gary Lewis

The first defensive player on this list, Gary Lewis, was a powerhouse on the Cowboys’ defensive line. Lewis’s 14 sacks in a single season rank second in program history, while his record-setting four sacks in one game against Colorado in 1982 highlight his dominance. His tenacity and relentless pursuit of quarterbacks left an unforgettable legacy for Oklahoma State’s defense.

6. Rashaun Woods

Few receivers in Oklahoma State history have achieved the heights of Rashaun Woods. Holding the program’s career touchdown record, Woods also delivered a jaw-dropping performance with seven touchdown receptions in a single game against SMU in 2003. His impressive stats, including second-most career receiving yards, make him one of the best wideouts to ever play in Stillwater.

5. Terry Miller

A two-time Heisman finalist, Terry Miller was a dominant force in Oklahoma State’s backfield during the 1970s. With 4,754 career rushing yards and 49 touchdowns, Miller’s explosiveness on the ground set him apart. His standout seasons in 1976 and 1977, where he rushed for over 1,600 yards each, earned him a well-deserved spot in the College Football Hall of Fame in 2022.

4. Leslie O’Neal

As the greatest defender in Oklahoma State history, Leslie O’Neal was a nightmare for quarterbacks. Holding the program’s all-time sack record with 34 and setting a single-season high of 16 sacks in 1984, O’Neal was a two-time All-American. His ability to dominate games from the defensive line cemented his legacy as a cornerstone of Oklahoma State’s defensive success.

3. Justin Blackmon

A standout receiver during his college years, Justin Blackmon remains one of the most dominant players in program history. Blackmon was a two-time unanimous All-American and the only Cowboy to win the Biletnikoff Award twice. His record-breaking seasons in 2010 and 2011, where he amassed over 1,500 yards each year, propelled Oklahoma State to national prominence. Despite a shortened career, his impact was monumental.

2. Thurman Thomas

The program’s all-time leading rusher, Thurman Thomas, was an unstoppable force in the backfield. With 4,847 rushing yards and 43 touchdowns, Thomas earned All-American honors twice and led the Cowboys with consistent brilliance. His post-collegiate success, including an NFL MVP award and induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, further solidifies his status as one of Oklahoma State’s all-time greats.

1. Barry Sanders

Topping the list is none other than Barry Sanders, arguably the greatest college football player of all time. After playing behind Thurman Thomas for two seasons, Sanders exploded onto the scene in 1988 with an awe-inspiring campaign: 2,628 rushing yards and 37 touchdowns—both NCAA single-season records. His Heisman-winning season remains one of the most extraordinary performances in college football history. Sanders carried his success into the NFL, becoming one of the greatest running backs the sport has ever seen.