Oklahoma State Position Group Recap: Linebackers

If you asked Oklahoma State fans what impressed them the most this season, they would probably say it was the linebackers.

Three names stood out at the position on the Cowboy defense this season; Nick Martin, Collin Oliver and Xavier Benson.

The trio led the way on defense for the Cowboys, combining for 278 tackles, including Matin's 140 tackles. 

As for the group as a whole; the linebackers were the vocal leaders of the Cowboy defense this season. 

Overall: B

This group was the backbone of the defense, especially Martin. 

He had over 10 tackles in six games this season, including 17 tackles in two of those games. He also finished with 16 tackles for loss and six sacks this season. 

Martin passed former Cowboy star Malcolm Rodriguez this season for the most tackles in a season and was No. 1 in the Big 12 conference in total tackles in 2023. 

One of the changes in the 2023 offseason was Oliver switching to from defensive end to linebacker for the Cowboys. It didn't matter what position he was at this season, Oliver was still a force this season.

The junior finished with 75 tackles on the season, including 15.5 tackles for loss and six sacks. 

Oliver announced earlier this month that he will be coming back for his senior season, giving some additional veteran experience at the position. 

Benson, who transferred in to the Cowboys in 2022, was another solid linebacker for the Cowboys. He finished with 65 tackles in 2023, including 7.5 tackles for loss. 

Benson declared for the NFL Draft after the 2023 season after contributing 141 total tackles in his OSU career. 

With Martin and Oliver coming back next season, defensive coordinator Bryan Nardo will have an experienced and determined group at linebacker next season both nationally and in the conference. 

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