Do cadets actually outrank non-commissioned officers?

Cadets only out rank other Cadets. But treat them with respect because they are your future leaders.

On paper yes. In practice no.

I'm not actually sure, officially, but unofficially, they do not; if a cadet is relieved from the academy they're not considered a veteran according to the VA at least. I got this from a Navy Academy grad.

I had the privilege of watching a Butterball try to admonish our Top. What ensued afterwards was hilarious and eye opening to the company.

To Answer your question you have to put the understanding into it this way, as a Cadet this person is not a commissioned officer until they Graduate and are deemed Under instruction. for that Reason the Answer is No a Cadet does not out rank an E-1 on Active duty.

We are two different carreer tracks. When you are wrong as a LT and an E7 corrects you just say thank you (Dirty uniform, John Wayning it)

If a Cadet or LT has an issue with you that person should go to the PLT Seargent and talk to him/her. I was an E6 and retired as a Major. My BTN Commander had an issue with one of my E6's performance. Me and !SG talked to him, he then asked the LTC if there was a problem, LTC says no then angry at me for E6 talking to him.

As far as better leaders I have seen both, but A ROTC grad is a pain, what do they teach them, Enlisted are punished for collar up and other little things. Do not do it. Be professional, it aggravates the Enlisted when you are not and think you are cool. Any one can correct anyone, E4 says sir zip up your jacket, don't argue with him. E4 then will go up his chain and Company Commander has to tell PIA that BC just came down on him.

A cadet is only a cadet. They are not active duty and not even a Soldier yet.

As per AR 600-20 they are correct and both ROTC, as well as West Point Cadets outrank every NCO... Having said this, keep in mind that a 2LT also outranks a Command Sergeant Major and YET! :D
https://mwi.usma.edu/yes-sergeant-actually-west-point-cadet-outrank/

Well they do outrank all the admirals in the Navy!!

No! They may private cooks, better blankets, etc... but, until that butter bar grows on them, they are students.