Oklahoma State University Athletics
Jake Springfield: A Cowboy through and through
November 28, 2024 | Cowboy Football
What started as a redshirt walk-on trying to find his way has transformed into a career of leadership and success. Jake Springfield, now the team leader in total starts, has earned a scholarship and cemented his legacy on the Oklahoma State football team.
Springfield began his collegiate career in 2019 as a walk-on for the Cowboys, but a series of injuries to OSU's offensive line gave him his chance to play in 2020, and he never looked back. Starting nine of the team's 11 games at left tackle, Springfield became a reliable freshman on the offensive line and a critical piece of the Cowboys' success.
During the 2020 COVID impacted season, Springfield's hard work and perseverance were rewarded in a unique way. Former OSU walk-on Blake Jarwin surprised him with the news of his scholarship in a video message.
"I broke down, and all my teammates ran up and jumped on my back, super excited. That was a great moment," Springfield said. "Being able to call my parents after that and before the video came out, being able to tell them, 'Hey, I was put on scholarship.' Just seeing the look on their faces was a great moment."
Four years later, Springfield remained one of the team's most consistent and successful tackles. With over 48 starts across his six-year career, he has been a two-time second-best pass-blocking lineman for the Cowboys and was a semifinalist for the 2023 Burlsworth Trophy. Pro Football Focus ranked him among the top 20 linemen in the Big 12 in 2024. Off the field, Springfield has also excelled academically, earning First Team Academic All-Big 12 honors four consecutive times.
In his final season, Springfield was honored on Senior Day during his last home game at Boone Pickens Stadium against Texas Tech.
"It'll be emotional. It'll be my last game at Boone Pickens Stadium, it's a special place. I'm excited but also kind of not excited because it'll be my last one," Springfield said. "I'll be able to go out on the field and have my parents with me, so it'll be a special moment for all of us."
As Springfield's journey as a Cowboy nears its end, what stands out most to him is the camaraderie and lasting friendships he's built with his offensive line teammates over the years.
"Being with the same unit for six years, you definitely are all really close. The relationships we built, they're my best friends. We're going to be friends for the rest of our lives," Springfield said. "I'm excited to see where the future takes all of us, but I know we'll be close and keep that relationship going."
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