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Oklahoma State Has Two of the Big 12’s Highest-Graded Returning Cornerbacks
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- Oklahoma State Has Two of the Big 12’s Highest-Graded Returning Cornerbacks
(USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
Maybe Oklahoma State 's rebuilt defense deserves a little more attention.
Earlier, we talked about linebacker Ethan Wesloski entering 2026 as one of the Big 12's highest-graded returning players at his position.
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Now look at cornerback. LaDainian Fields and Kollin Lewis both rank among PFF's 10 highest-graded returning Big 12 cornerbacks, with Fields coming in at No. 8 and Lewis at No. 10.
That gives Oklahoma State two players in the top 10, tied with Houston for the most of any program in the conference.
For a defense that has plenty to prove this season? That's a pretty encouraging place to start.
Fields Was One of OSU's Bright Spots
Fields is particularly interesting because unlike so many players on this roster, he was actually at Oklahoma State last season.
He gave the new coaching staff something worth keeping. Fields didn't receive significant playing time until midway through 2025, but once his opportunity arrived, he took advantage of it.
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He finished with a 77.2 overall PFF grade, the highest by an Oklahoma State defender with at least 200 snaps since Tyler Lacy in 2022.
His coverage numbers were even more impressive. Fields was targeted only 13 times, allowing just two receptions, while intercepting two passes himself.
Think about that. Two catches allowed. Two interceptions.
Not bad for someone who didn't become a regular until the second half of the season.
Then Morris Brought Lewis With Him
Now Fields has some help. Lewis followed Eric Morris and defensive coordinator Skyler Cassity from North Texas after putting together a strong 2025 season of his own.
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He recorded 15 tackles and two interceptions, and PFF gave him a 75.9 grade. He allowed only eight catches on 19 targets for 67 yards and one touchdown.
So once again, Oklahoma State isn't simply hoping a transfer develops into a quality Big 12 player. Lewis arrives with legitimate production.
Now OSU potentially gets to pair him with one of the few bright spots from last year's defense.
This Defense Is Starting to Get Interesting
Let's connect some dots. Wesloski gives Oklahoma State a highly graded veteran linebacker in the middle. Fields gives the Cowboys a young returning corner who already showed legitimate potential.
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Lewis brings another proven coverage player from North Texas. And there are plenty of other additions competing around them.
Nobody should suddenly declare Oklahoma State's defense elite. Remember, this is still a unit coming off a disastrous season and undergoing a massive overhaul. But the individual pieces are becoming harder to ignore.
Final Thoughts
Most of Oklahoma State's preseason hype has understandably centered around Eric Morris' offense.
Mestemaker. Hawkins. Young. Coleman. We've talked about all the weapons.
But perhaps we shouldn't completely overlook what's happening defensively. Fields and Lewis give Oklahoma State two of the Big 12's 10 highest-graded returning corners, tying Houston for the most players represented.
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Add Wesloski at linebacker, and suddenly Cassity has some legitimate building blocks. The offense might be Oklahoma State's biggest reason for excitement. But the defense is starting to give us a few reasons of its own.
