STILLWATER, Okla. — Oklahoma State men's basketball is receiving national recognition early in the 2026–27 season.

ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Bilas ranked the Cowboys No. 50 nationally in his latest Bilas Index, released Thursday, placing Steve Lutz's program among the top 50 teams in the country.

The recognition comes as Oklahoma State looks to take another step forward under Lutz and return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2021.

Bilas highlights Oklahoma State's new additions

Bilas pointed to the Cowboys' offseason roster additions as a major reason for optimism heading into the new campaign. North Carolina transfer Luka Bogavac and UCF transfer Jordan Burks were among the players specifically mentioned in his evaluation. Bilas also highlighted Oklahoma State's highly regarded freshman class, ranked among the nation's top 15. Those additions give Lutz several new pieces to incorporate as the Cowboys look to establish themselves in a competitive Big 12 Conference.

The roster turnover also creates an important early-season challenge: developing chemistry while preparing for a demanding schedule. For Oklahoma State, the opportunity to build around a combination of experienced transfers and talented freshmen could help determine whether the Cowboys can take the next step toward postseason contention.

Cowboys open season with convincing victory

Oklahoma State began its season with a 91–60 victory over Incarnate Word, providing an encouraging first look at the new roster. The Cowboys wasted little time establishing control, racing to a 12–2 advantage before extending their lead to 28–9 midway through the first half. By halftime, Oklahoma State had built a commanding 54–17 lead.

The convincing opening performance offered an early indication of the team's potential, although more challenging opponents await. Lutz and his staff will now look to build on that performance while continuing to develop their rotations and offensive chemistry.

Texas A&M presents an early measuring stick

Bilas also identified Oklahoma State's upcoming road matchup against Texas A&M as an important early test. The Cowboys will face a significant increase in competition when they travel to College Station next week.

Playing on the road against an SEC opponent will provide a better indication of where Oklahoma State stands nationally. The matchup could also offer an early opportunity for the Cowboys to strengthen their postseason résumé. For a program looking to return to March Madness, those non-conference opportunities carry added importance.

Seeking a return to March Madness

Oklahoma State has not reached the NCAA Tournament since 2021, when the Cowboys advanced to the second round. Ending that drought remains one of the program's biggest objectives as Lutz continues building his roster.

While the Bilas Index is an individual analyst's evaluation rather than an official national poll, Oklahoma State's inclusion reflects outside recognition of the team's potential.

The Cowboys are not being projected among the nation's elite, but their placement inside the top 50 suggests they could become a factor in the national postseason conversation.

With an influx of talent, a convincing season-opening victory and an important road test approaching, Oklahoma State has an opportunity to show whether that early recognition is justified.

Source: Yahoo Sports