Caleb Hawkins in pursuit of becoming Big 12’s rushing champion
Oklahoma State running back Caleb Hawkins carries the ball against Kansas State Saturday November 7, 2026 at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. (Lynn Harrington/stayaliveinpower5)
MANHATTAN, Kan. — After delivering a monster performance in the road win over Kansas State, the Oklahoma State running back is now within striking distance of leading the Big 12 in rushing.
Caleb Hawkins continues to be a dynamite weapon in Eric Morris’ offense, and he’s a threat to score from anywhere on the field with his explosiveness. The sophomore carried the ball 20 times for 175 yards, and found the endzone four times against the Wildcats.
Everything appears to be coming full circle for Hawkins too, and he’s enjoying the journey. The Oklahoma native set a single-season, record at North Texas last year, with 25 rushing touchdowns. Not to mention Hawkins led the entire FBS in scoring, and touchdowns on the ground. Now he’s having similar production in the Big 12 with the Cowboys, and believes the best is yet to come.
“I feel like it’s just more of a mentality thing, you know, my mom raised me from a very young age that I was gonna have to work for everything and nothing was gonna be given to me,” Hawkins said. “So going out there, I feel like I have to take advantage of every opportunity that we’re given.”
Hawkins is averaging a jaw-dropping, 120.1 rush yards per game, which currently ranks second in the conference, and seventh nationally. On top of that, Hawkins eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark in rushing on the year after he steamrolled Kansas State’s defense. He’s currently 38 rushing yards behind Iowa State’s Aiden Flora, and nine ahead of West Virginia’s Cam Cook.
However, it’s going to be challenging for Hawkins to finish strong down the stretch with teams like Texas Tech, Arizona State and Kansas looming. He’s showing up on everyone’s radar, and in return it’s going to put a bullseye on Hawkins’ chest. Defenses are going to be loading the box to stop him, but Hawkins is versatile, and a natural at catching passes out of the backfield.
The six-foot, 219-pounder wants to be more durable, and understands being the workhorse often takes a toll on the body. Hawkins took a break at times on the sidelines to rejuvenate himself against the Wildcats. Run Game Coordinator Patrick Cobbs knew Hawkins was in a zone, so he wanted to keep him in a rhythm, and that motivated the rusher.
“You know, sometimes I get a little tired out there, and when I’m over there, I feel like I’m just super excited to come back to the game,” he said. “Coach Cobbs is just looking at me, and he’s just like, “Let me know when you’re ready,” and I’m just immediately ready.”
With 1,081 yards so far, and three games left in the regular season, Hawkins is more than capable of reaching the rushing milestone. Coach Morris will make sure that Hawkins gets enough touches, and he wants the ball in his hands when the game is on the line.
Hosting a top-15 Texas Tech team will be an opportunity for Hawkins to take advantage of the spotlight, and show the rest of the Big 12 that he’s the real deal.
