Oklahoma State Linebacker Bryan McCoy on Butkus Award Preseason Watchlist

There hasn’t been a ton of preseason recognition headed the Cowboys’ way this year, but it was announced Wednesday that the Butkus Foundation thinks highly of a transfer linebacker.

Bryan McCoy Jr. is one of 51 players to be included on the Butkus Award’s preseason watchlist, an award given annually to the nation’s top linebacker.

Listed at 6-foot-2, 225 pounds, McCoy spent the past three seasons in the MAC at Akron. He was an All-MAC selection the past two seasons. In 33 career games to this point, McCoy has 237 tackles and eight tackles for loss.

McCoy made 120 tackles for the Zips in 2024 with his 10 tackles per game ranking third in the MAC. He also had a pair of tackles for loss and a pair of pass breakups.

He wrapped up 94 ball carriers as a true sophomore in 2023 to go with six tackles for loss, a sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery that he returned for a touchdown.

McCoy made an immediate impact in Akron, playing in 10 games as a true freshman in 2022 where he made 23 tackles.

From Chicago, McCoy joined Oklahoma State via the transfer portal this offseason, also announcing portal offers to Kansas and Memphis.

McCoy is one of nine Big 12 linebackers on the Butkus’ preseason watchlist. Semifinalists for the award will be announced Nov. 4 and finalists on Nov. 25. The winner will be announced by Dec. 10. A 51-member selection committee votes on the award based on qualities that defined Dick Butkus’ career: toughness, leadership, competitiveness, football character and traditional linebacking skills.