Can Eric Morris and staff find another "diamond in rough" type linebacker that Oklahoma State has been known to always find?
The Cowboys, in recent years, have had several big time linebackers. They’ve always been tough in the middle of defense and even as the 2025 season didn’t go as planned – the Oklahoma State defense still featured a tough player in Parker Robinson. Just to list a few great linebackers for Oklahoma State in the past seasons:
Malcolm Rodriguez (2018–2021) One of the most productive tacklers in recent OSU history with 408 career tackles (4th all-time in program history). Versatile inside linebacker, known for his instincts and leadership. Drafted by the Detroit Lions (6th round, 2022). A cornerstone of strong defenses in the early 2020s.
Collin Oliver (2018–2024, with some overlap) Hybrid linebacker/edge rusher with elite pass-rush ability, 23.5 career sacks (5th all-time at OSU). Had an 11.5-sack season in 2021. Frequently named to watch lists (e.g., Lombardi Award) and highlighted as one of the program's top recent defenders.
Nick (Nickolas) Martin (approx. 2020–2024) Dominant inside linebacker with 140 tackles in 2023, the most by an OSU player since 1984 and tops in the Big 12 that year. Ranked as the Big 12's top linebacker heading into 2024 by some outlets. Lombardi Award watch list honoree.
Shaun Lewis (2011–2014) Highly recruited and productive middle linebacker during OSU's strong early-2010s era. Led in tackles and earned All-Big 12 recognition. Known for his tackling reliability.OSU's linebacker play has been strong lately, with units ranked top-10 nationally in recent years (e.g., 2024).
Can Oklahoma State find another great linebacker in the portal or through high school commitments? Let’s breakdown the newest members of the Cowboy linebacker squad.
INCOMING:
Ethan Wesloski – Junior – 3 Star – North Texas
- Ethan Wesloski, a 6-foot-1, 234-pound linebacker transferring from North Texas, brings proven production and veteran experience to the Oklahoma State Cowboys defense in 2026.
As North Texas's leading tackler in 2025, he recorded 113 tackles (including 59 solo), 9.0 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, an interception, three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown, and additional quarterback hurries.
Career totals include 233 tackles, 21.5 TFLs, and 7 sacks over his time with the Mean Green.
Following former UNT head coach Eric Morris and defensive coordinator Skyler Cassity to Stillwater, Wesloski adds physicality, playmaking instincts, and leadership to the linebacker corps with one year of eligibility remaining.
His tackling reliability and disruptive ability in the run and pass game should bolster OSU's front seven immediately.
Tate Romney – Junior – 3 Star – Arizona State
- Tate Romney, a 6-foot-2, 225-pound outside linebacker transferring from Arizona State, adds veteran depth and experience to the Oklahoma State Cowboys defense in 2026.
Over three seasons with the Sun Devils, he amassed 70 tackles, including four tackles for loss and one sack, with a standout 2023 campaign featuring 52 tackles (tied for fourth on the team), four TFLs, one sack, four pass breakups, and a fumble recovery as a starter in 11 games.
As a redshirt senior with one year of eligibility left, Romney brings sure tackling, instincts from Big 12 competition, and potential as a rotational or situational contributor to bolster the second level, especially if healthy after recent injury setbacks.
His size and prior production should help stabilize the linebacker group.
Isaiah Chisom – Junior – 3 Star – UCLA
- Isaiah Chisom, a 6-foot-1, 235-pound inside linebacker transferring from UCLA, bolsters the Oklahoma State Cowboys defense in 2026 with high-volume tackling and starter experience.
In 2025 with the Bruins, he ranked second on the team with 84 tackles (including 2.5 for loss) while starting 10 games. Career totals across UCLA and prior time at Oregon State include 173 tackles over 29 games with 22 starts.
As a redshirt sophomore with two years of eligibility remaining, Chisom brings physicality, reliability against the run, and potential as an immediate contributor or starter at the second level to strengthen OSU's linebacker unit.
Jack Puckett – Junior – 3 Star – UCO (D-II)
- Jack Puckett, a 6-foot-1, 240-pound linebacker transferring from Division II Central Oklahoma (UCO), brings elite production and All-American pedigree to the Oklahoma State Cowboys defense in 2026.
A D-II All-American in 2024 with 102 tackles (including 15 for loss), he added 63 tackles, 13 TFLs, four sacks, and an interception in 2025.
With over 220 career tackles, Puckett offers physical run-stopping ability, disruptive playmaking, and leadership as a former team captain, providing immediate depth and potential starter upside to OSU's linebacker group for his senior season.
Dallas Winner-Johnson – Junior – 3 Star - Tulane
- Dallas Winner-Johnson, a 6-foot-5, 230-pound linebacker transferring from Tulane, brings intriguing size, length, and upside to the Oklahoma State Cowboys defense in 2026.
A former FCS All-American at Missouri State, he transferred to Tulane for 2025 but saw limited action there, recording just five tackles (four solo) across 10 games.
As a redshirt sophomore with multiple years of eligibility likely remaining, Winner-Johnson offers elite frame for edge or outside linebacker roles, potential in pass rush and coverage due to his height, and developmental value to deepen OSU's linebacker rotation under the new staff.
His prior FCS production highlights untapped playmaking ability for the front seven.
Taurean Davis – Sophomore – 3 Star – Mississippi Gulf Coast
- Taurean Davis, a 6-foot-2, 235-pound linebacker transferring from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (JUCO), adds high-level production and elite ranking to the Oklahoma State Cowboys defense in 2026.
Ranked as the No. 2 JUCO linebacker nationally by 247Sports, he led his team with 89 tackles (52 solo), 4.0 tackles for loss, one sack, and one interception in 2025 across 11 games, earning first-team all-conference and Defensive MVP honors.
As a junior with immediate impact potential, Davis brings physical run defense, tackling reliability, and playmaking instincts to bolster OSU's linebacker depth and competition.
Beau Wendel – Freshman – Midtholian, TX
- Beau Wendel, a 2026 high school commit from Midlothian, TX, brings versatile athleticism and middle linebacker (MLB) potential to the Oklahoma State Cowboys defense.
Listed as QB/OLB on Hudl and committing specifically as MLB, he showed defensive flashes in prior seasons with 38 tackles, 8 TFLs, and 3 sacks over two years.
While primarily a high school quarterback in 2025 (1,234 passing yards, 15 TDs; 611 rushing yards, 10 TDs), his two-way background offers physicality, instincts, and developmental upside as a true freshman contributor or redshirt prospect to add depth and competition at the second level for OSU's rebuilt front seven.
OUTGOING:
Darius Thomas – TBD
Poasa Utu – TBD
Ike Esonwune – UAB
Jacobi Oliphant – Kansas State
Taje McCoy – Georgia Tech
Chandavian Bradley – Coastal Carolina
Temerrick Johnson – TBD