Some of Oklahoma State’s defensive stars are in the running for the Bednarik Award.

The preseason watch list for the Bednarik Award was released Monday, and it includes OSU’s Collin Oliver and Nick Martin. The award, named after legendary Penn linebacker Chuck Bednarik, is given to the best defensive player in college football.

Last season, NC State linebacker Payton Wilson won the award. Oliver and Martin have a chance to become the first Big 12 players to win the award since Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh in 2009 and the first in OSU history.

Oliver has been a star for the Cowboys during his three-year career and looks to cap off his tenure in Stillwater with another impressive season. After moving to linebacker last season, Oliver is expected to play closer to the line of scrimmage in 2024.

READ MORE: Oklahoma State ranks No. 17 in AP preseason poll

The star defender has a knack for getting to the quarterback. Oliver has 22.5 career sacks and has a chance to move to the top of the Big 12 career sacks list. Last season, Oliver had 73 tackles, including 15.5 for loss, while forcing four fumbles.

Last season, Martin paired with Oliver at linebacker to form one of the most dangerous duos in the country. Martin led the Big 12 in tackles and finished in the top 10 in the country with an incredible 140 tackles. He also had 16 tackles for loss, six sacks, two interceptions and forced a fumble, making him one of the most disruptive defensive players not only in the Big 12, but in all of college football.

As the veteran Cowboys team looks to the Big 12 title and the College Football Playoffs, their impressive duo will lead one of the best defensive groups of Mike Gundy’s tenure.

READ MORE: Oklahoma State faces FCS No. 1 in season opener

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