Some Cowboys are among the best linebackers in the country in 2024.

On Tuesday, the preseason watch list for the Butkus Award was released and included OSU stars Collin Oliver and Nick Martin. They were two of the seven Big 12 representatives on the watch list.

Last season, NC State’s Payton Wilson won the award with 138 tackles, six sacks, three interceptions and a forced fumble. Winning the Butkus Award in 2024 could require a similar season, and OSU’s two stars will try to become the first Butkus winner in school history and the first Big 12 winner since Von Miller won at Texas A&M in 2010.

Although Oliver is still listed as a linebacker, he appears to be able to play much more at the line of scrimmage next season. This ability is what makes him such a dangerous player on defense, as he can easily fill any role defensive coordinator Bryan Nardo needs.

Oliver’s specific impact next season is unknown, but he should continue his climb up OSU’s career leaderboard. Oliver is tied with Emmanuel Ogbah for the all-time leader in quarterback hurries, has also finished in the top 10 in tackles for loss and is fifth in sacks.

With just 16 career tackles before last season, Martin burst onto the scene as a tackling machine. His 140 tackles not only led the Big 12 and ranked sixth nationally, they were also the sixth-most tackles in a single season in OSU history.

In addition to his impressive tackling ability, Martin was also disruptive when it came to forcing turnovers. Last season, he managed two interceptions and forced and recovered a fumble. While it’s a tall order to repeat that feat next season, if Martin can maintain his level of play, he should be on the shortlist for the Butkus Award.

READ MORE: Analyzing Oklahoma State’s Ranked Opponents in 2024

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