Four Oklahoma State Players on Lombardi Award Watch List

That’s a lot of Cowboys on one list.

Of the 9o players included on the Lombardi Award preseason watch list Thursday, four play for Oklahoma State. Offensive linemen Joe Michalski and Dalton Cooper and linebackers Nick Martin and Collin were named on the watch list for the award that is given to the nation’s top lineman on either side of the ball or linebacker. OSU was tied with Alabama and Ohio State with the most players on the list.

On the offensive side, Michalski and Cooper are anchors on a very experienced offensive line for the Cowboys. They have 27 starts just last season between the two of them. Cooper has 49 career starts, which leads the team. Michalski was also on the watch list for the Rimington Trophy, which is given to the most outstanding center in college football.

“It’s nice,” said Michalski of being on the Rimington list. “I appreciate it, but I’m more worried about the season and getting better, improving. More worried about the team and South Dakota State than I am about any awards.”

On the other side, Martin and Oliver continue to join each other on these preseason watch lists. Both were also on the watch lists for the Butkus Award and the Bednarik Award. Martin last season led the Big 12 with 140 tackles — the most by a Cowboy since 1984. Oliver has bounced around from linebacker and edge rusher but has still earned All-Big 12 honors three times in his career. Both were also tied last season with six sacks, which was the most by a linebacker in the conference.

The winner of the Lombardi Award will be announced Dec. 11.