Two Freshmen Who Could Carve Out a Role at Oklahoma State in 2026

STILLWATER — Eric Morris on Tuesday named dropped a few freshmen who could find their way into some snaps this season.

When asked about his willingness to play true freshman in the past and whether there were any on his first Oklahoma State roster who could contribute this year, Morris mentioned a pair of names that he has brought up before.

“Savion Barthelemy’s done a good job, and I think that’s one of the hardest positions to play early is the defensive line,” Morris said. “We have Standard. Dayvon has done a phenomenal job at receiver. He’s kind of worked his way up the depth chart and is getting some good looks right now. I think those will be the two that really pop in my head right now that have a chance.

“We’re just such an older roster right now. Luckily we’re able to keep some of those guys in the weight room, put them down with scout team. That’s where so many guys get better. Every time these young offensive linemen have to go against this one D-Line every single day, they’re gonna get so much better with all those reps. But those are the two that I could see right now getting some playing time.”

Interestingly, Barthelemy and Standard arrived in the summer and didn’t go through spring ball.

Barthelemy was committed to Jimmy Rogers and Washington State and Iowa State before signing with the Pokes in February, so this could be an early recruiting win of consequence for Morris.

He hails from New Orleans by way of Belle Chasse High School, where he also played some tight end and basketball. Barthelemy is listed at 6-foot-3, 286 pounds, but when Morris mentioned Barthelemy after the first practice of fall camp, Morris referred to the freshman as “315 pounds and super athletic.”

A 6-foot-4, 185-pound receiver, Standard was also a February signee, coming to the Cowboys by way of Desert Edge High School in Arizona. He played in just six games during his high school senior season, catching 23 passes for 463 yards and 10 touchdowns in that time.

Morris loves a track athlete, and Standard was a state champion triple-jumper and set his high school’s record at 47-feet, 11-inches in the event. He was also a high school basketball player, averaging 8.9 points and 4.1 rebounds as a junior.

Standard also earned a shoutout after the Cowboys’ first practice of the fall.

“I’ll tell you the guy that’s surprised me the most of our freshman class that came late is Standard,” Morris said,  “that came in from Arizona — 6-3 wide receiver that wouldn’t surprise me if he pushes himself into the rotation.”

Morris worked his way back around to talking about freshman later in Tuesday’s availability and gave another shoutout to quarterback Broderick Vehrs. Morris spoke well of Vehrs after the spring game, as well, and it sounds like he’s in contention to be Drew Mestemaker’s backup.

“Brody’s  got quite a bit of arm talent,” said OSU quarterback coach and offensive coordinator Sean Brophy last week. “He’s got a really smooth stroke, and he can dish it around the field and is doing a good job operating.”

Morris hasn’t been shy about using freshmen previously. Caleb Hawkins is the most recent example as he went from a little-talked-about recruit to the nation’s leader in touchdowns as a freshman.

“This is my livelihood and how I earn a paycheck, and all these coaches here,” Morris said. “I think in this era of college football, especially with no redshirts, you’re gonna put your best foot out there. Whoever gives you the best chance to win on Saturdays, doesn’t matter how old they are, obviously they’re gonna have to prove it over the course of the whole entire camp. The scrimmages have been great to see those guys actually be out there live without a coach, without a controlled environment around them. We’re gonna play whoever gives us the best chance to win.”