The 2016 season is only now coming to an end, but Oklahoma State already has a leg up on the 2017 Big 12 title race.

Quarterback Mason Rudolph and receiver James Washington announced on Tuesday they would be returning for their senior seasons in 2017.

According to a report from the Oklahoman earlier this month, Rudolph and Washington were planning on returning along with linebacker Chad Whitener. Whitener has not yet announced his intentions.

Rudolph threw for 3,777 yards 25 touchdowns and just four picks during the regular season. He is one of two Oklahoma State quarterbacks -- the other being Brandon Weeden -- to have multiple 3,000-yard passing seasons.

Washington, the team's best deep threat, caught 62 passes for 1,209 yards and nine touchdowns. He is fourth on the school's career receiving yards list with 2,752 yards.

With Oklahoma losing multiple weapons around quarterback Baker Mayfield, the Cowboys could be an early favorite to move from Big 12 dark horse to favorite. The offense alone is stacked with skill players.