Do cadets actually outrank non-commissioned officers?

No, cadets do not outrank any nco. They are not a non commissioned, warrant or commissioned officer. They are simply students at respective academy. When they graduate and get their bars pinned on then they will outrank the nco

First question: Is CO or WOC a rank? Second: Do I as a Chief Warrant Officer, have to salute a OC? Answer: NO. Regulation says that you render salute to COMMISIONED officers following the ARMY hierarchy. So, “Candidates” officers or warrants are NOT COMISSIONED, therefore you do not HAVE to salute them. Third question: do I as a Chief Warrant Officer have to salute a 2Lt? YES. Even if he/she could be my son/daughter. The term that best describes your answer is: RESPECT. Saluting a “Cadet” either officer or warrant, is mainly based on respect. The person chose that path and is going thru a transformation that eventually, will place him/her hierarchly speaking, above you. Remember: you salute the RANK. Some people even gained the RESPECT... As a LEADER, thats the most important thing for a NCO, WO or O.

First question: Is “Cadet” a rank? Second: Is “WOC” a rank? Third: do a “Cadet” “outrank” a NCO or WO? Remember this word as per Regulation; COMISSIONED. So, are “Cadets” commisioned? Are “WOCS” commisioned? The answer is NO. So, do I, as a Chief Warrant Officer HAVE to salute a WOC or OC? The answer is NO. Do I, as a Chief Warrant Officer have to salute a 2nd Lt? YES. He IS a commisioned officer and by hierarchy I do have to salute him, even if he/shemcould be my son/daughter....

A cadet has not yet received their commission and therefore can't outrank an NCO anymore than a Private E-1 can.

A cadet has not yet received their commission and therefore are no more higher rank than an NCO than a private is.

Rank and Authority are the two main questions here, I believe. As far as rank, according to the UCMJ, a Cadet/Midshipman is subject to the same articals as any Officer. "Article 133 (10 U.S.C. 933)—Conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman a. Text of statute. Any commissioned officer, cadet, or midshipman who is convicted of conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman shall be punished as a court-martial may direct."
As far as the authority to give a lawful order, I think I would grin and bear it, then let those who have legal and lawful authority over me take care of the arrogant ($%$^) twits. Just saying, walking away really does not hurt.

I enjoyed Senior ROTC summer camp 1965 at Fort Bragg ,NC. We all had a sense of respect for senior gray haired NCOs . Had plenty of requested and offered advice from them. I, having grown up? in my Southern home, sired every older person regardless of rank.
Advice on maneuvers in winter time: get killed right away and go crawl into sleeping bag to play dead.
Advice in summer maneuvers : stay out of the ditches regardless of how hot your feet are. These little brooks are 2 feet wide by 8 feet deep drainage ditches compliments of Corps of Engineers. Felt top of buddies helmet and pulled him out by pack straps.
When offered a ride back from sick bay in the field, try not to sit like a general officer. It confuses the cadre officers. I had to return a lot of salutes and some explaining to do.

A cadet is not a Soldier. They are still civilians until they graduate and receive their commission.

I will take a CMSgt over an officer anyday!

Being prior service we had a different out look on it but when i was in ROTC we were told we were to be treated as Officers while at drill. None of us could bring ourselves to act like that. We kept our mouths shut and learned from everyone. We also weren't ever put into "real leadership" but still. We were also in a Combat Arms unit so we knew we should just shut up and observe.