Oklahoma State was among the worst teams in the country last season, but it has an outside shot at being one of the best next season. OSU’s key to building its roster this offseason was gathering players who had seen limited opportunity but showcased talent at larger schools and players who had shown they needed a step up in competition to match their level of play.

This exercise will serve as a nice reminder that most programs have not been exactly as good or exactly as bad as they are right now over the course of 25 years.

The compromise is expected to keep that $8 million payout for 2025, but it will likely change in 2026 when the "new revenue-distribution model that was established last spring where conferences earn ...