OSU linebacker named to Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list
STILLWATER — Oklahoma State linebacker Collin Oliver is one of 94 FBS players included on the 2023 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List, announced Tuesday by the FWAA and the Charlotte (N.C.) Touchdown Club.
STILLWATER — Oklahoma State linebacker Collin Oliver is one of 94 FBS players included on the 2023 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List, announced Tuesday by the FWAA and the Charlotte (N.C.) Touchdown Club.
A junior out of Edmond Santa Fe High School, Oliver is one of 11 Big 12 players included on the list for the trophy, which is given annually to the best defensive player in college football.
Oliver moved to linebacker in the spring of 2023 after starting his career at defensive end his first two seasons.
He put together one of the most impressive true freshman seasons in the nation and in OSU history in 2021, earning unanimous Big 12 Freshman Defensive Player of the Year honors and freshman All-America honors. Highlights from that season included ranking No. 7 in the FBS and setting an OSU freshman record with 11.5 sacks.
As a sophomore last year, Oliver earned All-Big 12 honors from the league’s coaches for a second consecutive season. He played in all 13 games and led the team with five sacks and 12 quarterback hurries, while his 7.5 tackles for loss ranked fourth.
The FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club will announce finalists for the 2023 trophy on Nov. 15 and the winner will be unveiled Dec. 4 at the Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet in Charlotte.
The Cowboys are scheduled to open the 2023 season at 6 p.m. Sept. 2 when it faces Central Arkansas at Boone Pickens Stadium.
