Pair of Cowboys on Bednarik Award Watch List

Two Cowboys are on the lookout to be the best defensive player in college football at the end of 2024.

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

Martin, a redshirt junior, is coming a stellar first season as a starter that concluded with him on the All-Big 12 First Team and earning Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year honorable mention recognition. Last year he led the conference with 140 total tackles — the most by a Cowboy since 1984. He also added 16 tackles for loss.

Oliver is entering his final season at OSU. He’s moved around during his career, currently listed as a linebacker as a roster, but at Big 12 Media Days he referred to himself as an “edge.” Last season, Oliver had six sacks and forced four fumbles — tied for third most in FBS. He currently sits in fifth in program history with 22.5 sacks.

Martin or Oliver would become the first Cowboy to win the Bednarik Award since it was handed out in 1995. Three finalists for the award will be announced Nov. 26. The winner will be named on the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show on Dec. 12.

You can see the complete list of players on the watch list here.