Do cadets actually outrank non-commissioned officers?

I disagree that Cadet's "outrank" NCO's. I've been retired for a little while, but I recall the rank structure goes from E1 - E9; WO1 - CW2-CW5; O1 - O10. Where is cadet in rank structure? UCMJ doesn't mention anything about disrespect towards Cadets. It states disrespect towards commissioned officers. I think that certain military customs are afforded Cadets and any decent Senior NCO understands they a responsibility to prepare them for their future roles.

No, cadets do not out rank NCO's. I am an 1984 grad of the US Air Force Academy and retired Colonel (O-6). As a captain, I was an instructor at the Air Force Academy and told cadets that they do not out rank NCO's but if an NCO's salutes, return the salute and let then know that no one should salute a cadet. Now I am referring to Service Academy cadets that are members of the Active Duty Force. The Air Force Academy now has NCO's assigned to each squadron so no Air Force Academy cadet should be confused on this issue. If it is a ROTC cadet, tell them to pound sand.

Way back when, I was an SMP Cadet (Simultaneous Membership Program - ROTC and USAR) - when I was on drill weekends on post, I would get saluted a lot. I found it somewhat embarrassing, since I wasn't commissioned yet, but I returned the salute and never said anything. That was my time to learn and absorb as much knowledge as I could from my unit NCOs before I was officially an officer!

I do believe cadets are given a temporary rank of E5, but no cadet actually out ranks any real soldier esp senior noncoms.

"cadet" is not a rank, lets start there.
If you are SMP, then a cadet is a specialist! So, still doesn't out rank me.
Some of the SMP may get "paid" as an E5 in the reserve depending on the contract; however, thats for pay purposes. Still does not out rank a Non-Commissioned Officer.
Only a Cadet of the U.S. Military Academy outranks an NCO as specified in AR 600-20 Table 1-1

the simple answer is yes. A smart cadet will also realize that just because you out-rank someone that doesn't mean you know more than they do.

I see a lot of folks here eager to crush nuts .. know your roles... NCOS you are there as guidance and to follow your commanders intend.. where the rubber meets the road.. cadets can learn the right way or the wrong way.. you being butt hurt by who out ranks who is ridiculous.. you can give guidance .. remember unless it’s a no fail mission.. or going to hurt life limb or eyesight .. it’s ok to let them fail at small things provided you teach coach and mentor from it .. don’t set them up intentionally... experience will win if used correctly..

My answer would be depends, back in the 90s when I was in a Cadet going to OCS was given E6 rank while in school.
BUT! My opinion is that until that Bar turn at least Silver...keep your mouth shut!

Technically a Cadet is below an E-1/E-2 that has finished bootcamp. Cadets are basically students with title. Now if it's an NCO whom get into the academy I'm not sure if they lose the rights and responsibilities as such and are assigned TAD upon graduation.

I would love to relate my cadet story but I will refrain and only say she was working to help pay her college bills when I ran into her at an establishment. She did become a very good officer later on though.