Oklahoma State University Athletics
Terrill Davis’ Path to Oklahoma State is Anything but Ordinary
September 04, 2025 | Cowboy Football
STILLWATER - A standout basketball player at Choctaw High School, Terrill Davis didn't put on a football helmet until his senior year, and he only did then because every gym in town was closed due to COVID-19.
With no option for basketball, he gave the football a try and immediately turned heads. He helped lead Choctaw to the Class 6A state championship game and earned District Offensive Player of the Year honors in his first and only season of high school football.
Davis then signed with the University of Central Oklahoma, where his rise continued at a remarkable pace. In 2024, he led all NCAA players, regardless of division, with 1,609 receiving yards. He broke multiple school records, including single-season marks for receiving yards (1,609) and touchdowns (15), and became the only player in UCO history with three 200-yard receiving games in a season. His dominance earned him first team All-America honors from the AFCA, Associated Press, Walter Camp and several others, as well as recognition as a Harlon Hill Trophy candidate, an award given to the most valuable player in Division II.
He then entered the transfer portal with one year of eligibility remaining and committed to Oklahoma State for his final season.
Now in Stillwater, Davis has quickly shown that he belongs at the FBS level. In the Cowboys' season-opening win against UT Martin, he hauled in 75 receiving yards, including a highlight 41-yard deep shot downfield that helped spark the offense.
"My past experience has definitely helped me prepare for this moment," Davis said. "I'm just thankful that my coaches trust me here and that my quarterback trusts me. We go into the game just like we go into any other game. We prepare the same. We go into every game thinking that we are going to win. That's my goal."
Head coach Mike Gundy has praised Davis' ability to make the jump to Power Four football. "At the wide out slot, that's one position that you can have guys, in my opinion, that may be a level or two lower, that can make that jump to this level if they have the physical attributes," Gundy said. "Out on the perimeter, they can live in that world. So, we're looking for him to continue to make plays for us."
As Oklahoma State prepares for its week two showdown at No. 6 Oregon, Davis' blend of talent, confidence, and big-play ability makes him a player to watch as the Cowboys look to build momentum early in the season.
