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Monday morning, ESPN released their post-Spring-game Way-Too-Early Top 25, and, believe it or not, the Big 12 is getting some love.
Oklahoma State was the highest of all the Big 12 teams, falling just outside the Top 5 and getting No. 6. In the post-signing day edition of the Top 25, OSU was No. 10, and in the first edition, they were No. 7.
Here’s what ESPN had to say about the Pokes.
With quarterback Mason Rudolph and wide receiver James Washington deciding to return for their senior seasons, the Cowboys already looked primed to challenge rival Oklahoma for a Big 12 title. Then the Pokes added two graduate transfers -- Clemson cornerback Adrian Baker and Cal left tackle Aaron Cochran -- who might be able to help right away. Much of the buzz this spring focused on former LSU receiver Tyron Johnson, who sat out last season under NCAA transfer rules, and now appears ready to be another weapon. Of course, if the Cowboys are going to win their first Big 12 championship since 2011, they'll probably have to beat the Sooners in the Bedlam Series, which they've done only twice since 2003.
Not only will the Cowboys have to beat the Sooners in Bedlam, they will have to (likely) beat them again at the Big 12 Championship at Jerry’s World in Texas.
Oklahoma State was one of five Big 12 teams to make the countdown. The Big 12 was tied with the ACC and the SEC for most teams in the Top 25. Here is the breakdown of the conferences.
ACC: 5
Big 12: 5
SEC: 5
Big 10: 4
Pac-12: 4
MWC: 1
AAC: 1
Repping the Big 12 along with the Cowboys are: Oklahoma (8), Kansas State (18), West Virginia (20) and Texas (23).