OSU linebacker Named to Chuck Bednarik Award watch list

STILLWATER — Oklahoma State linebacker Collin Oliver is one of 85 FBS players included on the watch list for the Chuck Bednarik Award, announced Monday by the Maxwell Football Club.

A junior out of Edmond Santa Fe High School, Oliver is one of 11 Big 12 players included on the list for the award, which is presented annually to the outstanding 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.

Oliver 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.

Semifinalists for the Chuck Bednarik Award will be announced Nov. 13, while the three finalists for the Bednarik Award will be unveiled Nov. 28. The winner will be announced as part of the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards, which will take place Dec. 7. The formal presentation will be made at the Maxwell Football Club Awards in March 2024.

The Cowboys are scheduled to open the 2023 season at 6 p.m. Sept. 2 when it faces Central Arkansas at Boone Pickens Stadium.