Big 12 football edge rusher rankings: Why Oklahoma State's Collin Oliver tops list
Justin MartinezThe Oklahoman
The chaos creator of a defense is the edge rusher, which can either be a defensive end or an outside linebacker, and there are plenty of dangerous ones in the Big 12.
The conference boasts returners such as Oklahoma State's Collin Oliver and BYU's Tyler Batty. But it also has newcomers in the mix such as Colorado's B.J. Green II.
Here are the top 10 Big 12 edge rushers entering this season:
Top 10 Big 12 edge rushers for 2024 season
10. Steve Linton, Baylor
Linton spent four seasons at Syracuse and one at Texas Tech before he transferred to Baylor on Jan. 22.The 6-5 edge rusher recorded 45 tackles (8.5 for loss) and 3.5 sacks throughout his time at Syracuse. He then recorded 22 tackles (4.5 for loss) and three sacks as a senior at Texas Tech last season.
Linton now joins Baylor, which tied for the second-fewest team sacks (18) in the Big 12 last season. He should have an immediate impact with the Bears.
9. Sean Martin, West Virginia
Sean Martin was a reliable contributor last season.The 6-5 edge rusher started in all 13 games as a junior, and he logged 487 snaps along the way. He finished the campaign with 27 tackles (five for loss) and one sack, which earned him a Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year honorable mention.
Martin then received the 2024 Iron Mountaineer Award in April, which is given to the most outstanding performers in West Virginia's offseason strength and conditioning program. It's safe to say the fifth-year veteran is poised for another season of consistent production.
8. Jared Bartlett, Cincinnati
Bartlett spent the first four seasons of his career at West Virginia before he transferred to Cincinnati on Jan. 7.The 6-2 edge rusher posted career highs across the board as a redshirt junior for the Mountaineers last season. He recorded 49 tackles (six for loss) and 4.5 sacks.
Bartlett's numbers might take a dip at Cincinnati as he shares the field with star defensive tackle Dontay Corleone. Still, the fifth-year veteran is a valuable addition who should contribute right away.
7. Brendan Mott, Kansas State
After playing in just two games throughout his first three seasons with the program, Mott finally cracked the starting lineup in 2022.The 6-5 edge rusher hasn't looked back. Mott earned an All-Big 12 honorable mention as a senior last season with 28 tackles (4.5 for loss) and one sack. He also deflected two passes and forced two fumbles.
Mott has come a long way. Now in his sixth and final season with the Wildcats, he should put up even bigger numbers following the graduation of fellow edge rusher Khalid Duke.
6. Tyler Onyedim, Iowa State
Onyedim became a full-time starter for the first time last season, and he didn't disappoint.
The 6-4 edge rusher recorded 42 tackles (6.5 for loss) and two sacks as a redshirt sophomore. He also recorded a team-high nine quarterback hurries and earned an All-Big 12 honorable mention for his strong play.
Onyedim established himself as a playmaker for an Iowa State defense that allowed the third-fewest points per game (22.8) in the Big 12 last season. He should only get better this season with a year of starting experience under his belt.
5. Jereme Robinson, Kansas
Robinson is another player on this list who became a full-time starter last season.The 6-3 edge rusher put up impressive numbers as a result. He earned an All-Big 12 honorable mention as a junior with 25 tackles (six for loss), 4.5 sacks and six pass deflections.
Kansas needs to replace the production of Austin Booker, who led the team in tackles for loss (12) and sacks (eight) last season. Look no further than Robinson, who's now the leader of the Jayhawks' defensive line.
4. B.J. Green II, Colorado
Green is the best newcomer on this list.The 6-1 edge rusher earned an All-Pac-12 second team selection as a junior at Arizona State last season with 39 tackles (11.5 for loss) and six sacks. He then transferred to Colorado on Jan. 29.
It's a huge addition for the Buffaloes, whose defensive line was their biggest weakness last season. Green is a game changer who has already been named to the preseason All-Big 12 team.
3. Malachi Lawrence, UCF
Lawrence didn't make the preseason All-Big 12 team, but I'm still giving him the No. 3 spot on this list.The 6-4 edge rusher earned an All-Big 12 honorable mention as a redshirt sophomore last season. He recorded 27 tackles (10.5 for loss) and 7.5 sacks.
Lawrence already has a year of experience in the conference under his belt, and he's a more imposing prospect than the undersized Green. That's why I'm giving the edge to Lawrence, who should have an even larger role this season following the departure of Tre'Mon Morris-Brash.
2. Tyler Batty, BYU
There weren't a ton of bright spots last season on BYU's defensive line, which ranked last in the Big 12 in sacks (11), but Batty was the exception.The 6-5 edge rusher recorded 57 tackles (nine for loss) and 5.5 sacks as a junior. He also forced two fumbles and earned an All-Big 12 second team selection.
Batty then received a spot on the preseason All-Big 12 team. It's a well-deserved selection for the fifth-year veteran, whose individual play shouldn't be overshadowed by the Cougars' struggles on defense.
1. Collin Oliver, Oklahoma State
Oliver thrives wherever he gets placed on the field.
After spending his first two seasons with OSU as a defensive end, where he racked up 57 tackles (23 for loss) and 16 sacks and earned two All-Big 12 second team selections, the 6-2 prospect moved to outside linebacker last season. Oliver earned another All-Big 12 second team selection as a junior with 73 tackles (15.5 for loss), six sacks and five pass deflections.
Oliver was named to the preseason All-Big 12 team for his last ride with the Cowboys. Big things should be expected once again from the former Edmond Santa Fe standout, who's undoubtedly the top edge rusher in the conference.
