STILLWATER – Oklahoma State linebacker duo Nick Martin and Collin Oliver are once again on a preseason watch list as it was announced Tuesday that they are both on the Butkus Award watch list.

The other watch lists that Martin and Oliver are on are those for the Bednarik Award and the Nagurski Trophy, both of which are given to the best defensive player in the country.

In total, there are 51 players on the preseason list for the Butkus Award, with Martin and Oliver being two of seven players from the Big 12.

Bruce Waterfield/OSU Athletics

Martin is coming off a career year with the Cowboys, leading the Big 12 in sacks, the most in five years, and leading all Power Five defenders with 83 solo stops. He led the Big 12 in sacks and was in the top 20 in the FBS with 16.0 tackles for loss. Those numbers were enough for First Team All-Big 12 and an honorable mention as Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year.

Oliver recorded 73 total tackles, 45 solo stops, including 15.5 tackles for loss and six sacks, numbers good for selection to the Second Team All-Big 12.

The finalists for the 2024 Butkus Award will be announced on November 25, two days after Oklahoma State hosts Texas Tech on Senior Day. The winner of the award will be announced on December 10.