Dalton Cooper, Joe Michalski, Collin Oliver, and Nick Martin on the Lombardi Watch List
(Pokes Report publisher Robert Allen contributed to this story.)
STILLWATER – Oklahoma State offensive linemen Joe Michalski and Dalton Cooper and linebackers Nick Martin and Collin Oliver were named to the watch list for the Lombardi Award, it was announced Thursday. Now in its 51st year, the Lombardi Award watch list features 90 of the nation’s top linemen and linebackers. Oklahoma State is joined by Ohio State and Alabama atop the FBS with four selections and accounts for nearly a third of the Big 12’s 13 selections.
Combining for 27 starts throughout the 2023 season, Michalski and Cooper led an offensive line that saw Ollie Gordon II win the Doak Walker Award, lead the nation in rushing yards and receive unanimous All-America honors. Michalski is one of the most experienced players in the entire country, leading all Power Five players with 1,035 offensive snaps played last season. Michalski was also slected a second-team preseason All-American by The Athletic this week and he is also a Remington Award watch list selection. Michalski is an “old school” type player, so the accolades preseason don’t mean a lot.
“I agree with you,” he said. “It’s all nice and I appreciate all the good publicity, but I’m more concerned about this season and what we need to get done in this camp to beat South Dakota State and then move on to the next one.”
Meanwhile, Cooper earned honorable mention All-Big 12 honors in his first season as a Cowboy and leads the team with 49 career FBS starts.
On the defensive side of the ball, Martin and Oliver both earned All-Big 12 distinction in 2023 as they helped Oklahoma State to 10 wins and a Big 12 Championship game appearance. With 140 tackles on the year, Martin’s total was the most by a Cowboy since 1984 and most among any Big 12 player in five years, while Oliver is just the ninth defensive player in OSU history to receive three all-conference selections. Both players recorded six sacks in 2023, the most by a linebacker in the conference.
The recipient will be awarded on December 11 in Houston, Texas.