Linebacker Nickolas Martin #4 and linebacker Collin Oliver #30 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys take down quarterback Jason Bean #9 of the Kansas Jayhawks
As the 2024 college football season approaches, Oklahoma State University (OSU) linebackers Collin Oliver and Nick Martin are being recognized as among the nation’s best, securing spots on the preseason watch list for the Butkus Award. This prestigious accolade, awarded annually to the top linebacker in college football, highlights the standout talents of these OSU stars.
The Butkus Award watch list, released on Tuesday, includes seven representatives from the Big 12, underscoring the conference’s strength at the linebacker position. Oliver and Martin stand out as key contenders, both aiming to become the first Butkus Award winners in OSU’s history and the Big 12’s first since Von Miller of Texas A&M won in 2010.
Last season, NC State’s Payton Wilson captured the Butkus Award with a stellar performance that included 138 tackles, six sacks, three interceptions, and a forced fumble. To secure similar recognition in 2024, Oliver and Martin will need to replicate such exceptional performances.
Oliver, who remains listed as a linebacker, is expected to play a more versatile role along the line of scrimmage this season. His ability to adapt to various defensive schemes makes him a formidable player. Oliver’s impact is evident as he continues to climb OSU’s career leaderboards, currently tied with Emmanuel Ogbah for the all-time lead in quarterback hurries, while also ranking in the top 10 for tackles for loss and fifth in sacks.
Nick Martin, with only 16 career tackles entering last season, made a significant impact as a tackling machine. His 140 tackles led the Big 12 and ranked sixth nationally, marking the sixth-most tackles in a single season in OSU history. Beyond his impressive tackling numbers, Martin has proven disruptive in forcing turnovers, with two interceptions and a fumble recovery last season. Maintaining this high level of play could make him a strong contender for the Butkus Award.
As both Oliver and Martin prepare for the upcoming season, their performances will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, with hopes that one of them will add the Butkus Award to OSU’s list of football achievements.
