Cowboys linebacker duo selected to Nagurski Trophy Watch List

STILLWATER — Oklahoma State linebackers Nick Martin and Collin Oliver were both included on the 2024 Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list, announced Tuesday by the Football Writers Association of America.

With 75 total defensive players recognized, the Cowboys were one of 15 FBS teams to have multiple players on the list. OSU was joined by Iowa State and Arizona for the most honorees in the Big 12, which garnered a dozen selections in all.

Martin made an enormous impact in his first season as a starter, earning first team All-Big 12 honors and honorable mention for Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. With 140 total tackles in 2023, Martin’s mark was the most by a Cowboy since 1984 and most among any Big 12 player in five years. His 83 solo tackles led all Power Five players, and he was one of just five players in the nation to record 17 tackles in multiple games. Martin also ranked 20th in the FBS with 16 tackles for loss while also leading the Big 12 in sacks by a linebacker.

A longtime leader on the defensive side of the ball, Oliver earned second team All-Big 12 distinction in 2023 to become the ninth defensive player in OSU history to receive three allconference selections. Oliver has played in all 41 games since he stepped on campus and enters his senior season ranking fifth in program history with 22.5 career sacks and ninth with 38.5 career tackles for loss. Last season, Oliver matched Martin with six sacks for the team lead and forced four fumbles, tied for third-most in the FBS.

The FWAA and Charlotte Touchdown Club will announce finalists for the 2024 trophy Nov. 20, and the winner will be unveiled Dec. 9 at the Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet in Charlotte, N.C.