Two Cowboys are aiming to be the best defensive players in college football by the end of 2024.

Oklahoma State linebacker Nick Martin and edge rusher Collin Oliver were named to the preseason watch list Monday for the Bednarik Award, which is given to the defensive player of the year. The list consisted of 90 players, including 13 from the Big 12. OSU was one of 18 teams with more than one player on the list. Both were also named to the watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Award earlier this summer.

Martin, a redshirt junior, is coming off a stellar first season as a starter that culminated in his All-Big 12 First Team selection and honorable mention as Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. Last year, he led the conference with 140 total tackles – the most by a Cowboy since 1984. He also recorded 16 tackles for loss.

Oliver is entering his final season at OSU. He has changed positions many times over his career and is currently listed on the roster as a linebacker, but at Big 12 Media Days he described himself as an “edge.” Last season, Oliver had six sacks and forced four fumbles, third-best in the FBS. He currently ranks fifth in program history with 22.5 sacks.

Martin or Oliver would be the first Cowboys to win the Bednarik Award since it was created in 1995. The three finalists for the award will be announced on Nov. 26. The winner will be announced on Dec. 12 at the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards show.

You can see the full list of players on the watchlist here.