‘Downhill Bully Gang’: Oklahoma State Running Backs Embrace Physical Identity Ahead of Season Opener

With two weeks until the season opener against Tennessee Martin, Oklahoma State held its second scrimmage of fall camp Friday morning. One position group drawing attention is the running backs, a unit senior Trent Howland says is built on toughness.

Howland revealed the group’s nickname: the “Downhill Bully Gang,” a nod to the physical style emphasized by running backs coach Corey Patterson.

“If we’re not running physical, then we can’t play for him,” Howland said.

While the Cowboys’ quarterback situation remains unsettled and inexperienced, Howland said the backfield isn’t feeling extra pressure to carry the offense.

“I think they’re going to do just fine,” Howland said. “We have the coaches, we have Coach Gundy, they know what the standard is. Whoever gets that starting role knows what they have to bring to the plate. The passing game has to be efficient for us to even get to run the ball, so I think they’ll do fine.”

Oklahoma State kicks off its 2025 season on Aug. 28 in Stillwater.