Nick Martin and Collin Oliver Named To Named Butkus Award Watch List
STILLWATER – The Oklahoma State linebacker duo of Nick Martin and Collin Oliver are once again featured on a preseason watch list as it was announced on Tuesday they are both on the Butkus Award watch list.
The other watch lists Martin and Oliver are on are the Bednarik Award and Nagurski Trophy watch lists, both being award to the nation’s top defensive player.
They are 51 total players on the Butkus Award preseason list, with Martin and Oliver two of seven players from the Big 12.
Martin is coming off a career year for the Cowboys in which he led the Big 12, the most in five years, with his 83 solo stops leading all Power Five defenders. He led the Big 12 in sacks and was top 20 in the FBS with 16.0 tackles for loss. Those numbers were good for First Team All-Big 12, as well as honorable mention for Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year.
As for Oliver, he recorded 73 total tackles, 45 solo stops, including 15.5 tackle for loss and six sacks. Those numbers were good for Second Team All-Big 12.
The finalists for the 2024 Butkus Award will be announced on November 25, two days after Oklahoma State hosts Texas Tech on Senior Day, with the winner of the award being announced on December 10.