Spring Football: Brennan Presley, Rashod Owens Highlight Cowboys’ Receivers Room That’s Deep and Talented

In this age of the transfer portal, the Cowboys are in an enviable position in the skill department as of the start of spring.

Oklahoma State returns the nation’s best running back in Ollie Gordon, one of the most experienced passers in the country in Alan Bowman and its two leading receivers, all from a team that won 10 games last season.

Let’s move on to that wide receiver group as it stands early in spring practice. Be sure to check out our other Spring Previews: QB | RB

Three Potential Starters Are Back

Between Brennan Presley and Rashod Owens, the Pokes return 1,886 yards and 11 touchdowns. Add to that De’Zhaun Stribling, who was shaping up to be quite the productive outside threat before an early season injury, and that’s more than a decent starting WR group.

Who Else?

The Cowboys did lose some depth and talent. Both Blaine Green and Jaden Bray left by way of the portal, and Leon Johnson exhausted his eligibility. Bray and Johnson each started seven games last season. But there’s a group of wideouts, most which have been with the team for multiple seasons, that will be vying for reps this spring.

Talyn Shettron played in seven games as a freshman last year before an injury sidelined him. Cale Cabiness is a fan favorite who has shown up in big moments but needs to take the next step to gain meaningful reps. Camron Heard also has experience. Fellow redshirt freshmen Tykie Andrews and Jalen Pope should also factor in.

Who’s New?

The Cowboys added true frosh Tré Griffiths, a four-star talent with plenty of upside who enrolled early. Don’t count the rookie out just yet. At 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, and with targets to be had, he could make some noise this spring.

Number That Matters: 164

Between Brennan Presley, the Big 12’s leader in catches in 2023 with 101, and Rashod Owens (63), OSU returns two of the league’s top 5 in receptions last season. They were both also among the top 10 in receiving yards.

WR Outlook

All in all, the Cowboys have a nice mix of proven talent, experienced depth, and young and hungry potential pieces. The eternal caveat of “if they stay healthy” applies, but this looks to be one of the more talented receiving corps in the Big 12 this season. Death, taxes, Freakshow.

Spring WR Depth Chart Prediction

This, as always, is just a semi-educated guess. A lot could change during spring camp.

WR1 Brennan Presley
WR1 Rashod Owens
WR1 De’Zhaun Stribling
WR2 Talyn Shettron
WR2 Tykie Andrews
WR2 Cale Cabbiness
WR3 Jalen Pope
WR3 Camron Heard
WR3 Tre Griffiths