Oklahoma State’s linebacker corps is heading into the 2025 season with something it hasn’t had in years—both star power and legitimate depth. That’s no small statement considering the program just watched two of its top defenders, Nick Martin and Collin Oliver, get selected in the NFL Draft. Martin’s third-round selection by the 49ers and Oliver’s fifth-round call from the Packers served as a loud reminder to NFL scouts: OSU knows how to develop linebackers. But with both stars off to the next level, defensive coordinator Todd Grantham and linebackers coach Kap Dede had no choice but to retool quickly and aggressively.
And that’s exactly what they did.
This offseason, Oklahoma State hit the portal with precision and purpose, pulling in experienced, productive players from across the country. The centerpiece of that effort is Bryan McCoy, a two-time All-MAC linebacker from Akron who brings not only numbers, but attitude. McCoy piled up 120 tackles last season—good for eighth in the FBS in tackles per game—despite starting only eight games. With a compact 6-foot, 225-pound frame and a nose for the football, McCoy mirrors Nick Martin in both size and style. His transition to the Big 12 will be one of the most important storylines for the defense this fall.
Joining McCoy is Trip White, an Ole Miss transfer with three years of SEC experience. Though he primarily played special teams in Oxford, White’s physicality and familiarity with Power Four football give him a leg up as he competes for a starting spot. The same can be said for Brandon Rawls, a rising name in the linebacker rotation, and Darius Thomas, who recently committed after a brief stint at Louisville. Thomas brings production from his days at Western Kentucky, where he played under His 54 tackles, four sacks, and 6.5 tackles for loss in 2024 show he’s more than just depth—he’s ready to play.
One of the more intriguing names to watch is Chandavian Bradley, a former top recruit who began at Tennessee before transferring to Hutchinson Community College. While off-field issues stalled his stint in the SEC, Bradley has earned a second chance with the Cowboys. His upside is undeniable, and under Grantham’s guidance, he could be a future starter.
Even beyond the portal, Oklahoma State returns some homegrown talent that’s ready to contribute. Gunnar Wilson and Temerrick Johnson may not be household names, but they’ve developed within the system and are expected to take on larger roles this fall. Grantham is also experimenting with moving former defensive lineman Jaleel Johnson to an outside linebacker role. With his 6-5 frame and athleticism, Johnson could be a chess piece in the Cowboys’ evolving defensive scheme.
The bottom line: this linebacker room is deep, versatile, and battle-tested. Unlike previous seasons where OSU leaned heavily on a single playmaker, Grantham now has options. Whether it’s deploying rangy, sideline-to-sideline types like McCoy or leveraging the physical presence of Johnson and Thomas in the box, the flexibility of this unit could be a major asset.
Grantham’s defensive scheme thrives when it has linebackers who can rush the passer, drop in coverage, and defend the run. With this group, he may have all three. There’s no denying that losing Martin and Oliver is a big blow, but Oklahoma State may be better equipped than ever to replace them—not with one or two players, but with a deep and dynamic rotation.
In 2025, the linebackers aren’t just trying to fill shoes—they’re out to make their own mark. And if early signs are any indication, the Cowboys might just have another wave of NFL-bound talent on the way.
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