Hawkins Continues Dominant Stretch, Surpasses 1,000 Rushing Yards Against K-State

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MANHATTAN, Kansas — It’s becoming more widely believed that Oklahoma State could have the best quarterback in the country … but could it be possible that the Cowboys also have the best running back in the nation?

Oklahoma State beat Kansas State 66-28 on Saturday at Bill Snyder Family Stadium in a game that Caleb Hawkins continued the absolute heater that he’s on.

Hawkins finished with 246 all-purpose yards in the game, rushing for 175 to go with his 71 receiving yards. It marks the fourth straight game he’s had at least 190 all-purpose yards.

“He’s really good at football — in so many different facets,” OSU coach Eric Morris said. “Fierce competitor. I mean, he’s like a warrior out there, man. We got him out on one for two plays when we got down there, and I was screaming on my headset, ‘Where’s Caleb? Where’s Caleb? Where’s Caleb?’ So, yeah.

“And he’s so tough that he’ll never tell you that he needs to come out or anything like that. But he adds so many different levels and layers to this offense with how many things he does well.”

In Big 12 games, Hawkins is the league’s leading rusher with 820 yards. That within itself is fantastic, but Hawkins also ranks 13th among Big 12 receivers in conference games with 381 receiving yards.

Bringing nonconference games back into the fold, Hawkins surpassed the 1,000-yard mark on the ground this past weekend, having now run for 1,081 yards and seven touchdowns.

It’s the 27th time the Cowboys have had a 1,000-yard rusher in a season and first since Ollie Gordon’s Doak Walker-winning campaign in 2023. Before that, it was Jaylen Warren (2021), Chuba Hubbard (2019) and Justice Hill (2017) — just a group of running backs currently running wild in the NFL.

“This place is known for great running backs,” Morris said. “I think you see it right now. See these stats that come up now that Oklahoma State graduates are leading the NFL in rush yards right now. Then you think about Thurman (Thomas) and Barry (Sanders) and just for years there’s been running backs. I think (Hawkins is) gonna fit right in line with those guys.”

Hawkins’ workload has taken a slight uptick of late.

Through OSU’s first five games, Hawkins averaged 23.8 touches (carries + receptions) a game. In the past four, that number is up to 26.3 touches a contest. But his answer for his increased workload might make you want to run through a wall right next to him.

“I think it’s just a mentality thing,” said Hawkins of his ability to be a workhorse. “My mom raised me from very young that I was gonna have to work for everything. Nothing was gonna be given to me, so I feel like going out there, I just feel like I have to take advantage of those opportunities.”