As we head into the final week of the NFL regular season, the playoff picture is beginning to take shape-and for a handful of former Oklahoma State Cowboys, the postseason is either locked in or still within reach. From rookies grinding through tough injury stretches to veterans making key contributions, let’s break down how OSU alums are faring across the league as the playoff race hits the home stretch.
Playoff-Bound Cowboys
Nick Martin - San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers have rediscovered their groove at just the right time.
After a rocky midseason stretch, they’ve ripped off six straight wins and are one victory away from locking up home-field advantage in the NFC. Rookie linebacker Nick Martin showed flashes early, notching 11 total tackles before a concussion sidelined him in late November.
He’s been on injured reserve since December 20, but with the Niners eyeing a deep playoff run, there’s a chance Martin could make his return if he clears protocol. It’s a waiting game now-but one that could pay off if San Francisco keeps rolling.
Emmanuel Ogbah - Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville is back in the postseason with a 12-4 record and the AFC South crown in hand.
Emmanuel Ogbah, in his first year with the Jags, has been a rotational piece on the defensive line. His numbers-15 total tackles, a half-sack, two tackles for loss, and four quarterback hits-don’t leap off the page, but his presence has helped solidify a unit that’s been quietly effective all season.
As the Jaguars gear up for January football, Ogbah’s experience could prove valuable.
Amen Ogbongbemiga - Chicago Bears
Chicago has quietly pieced together an impressive 11-5 season and sits as the NFC’s No. 2 seed, despite a wild 42-38 shootout loss to San Francisco last week.
Linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga, now in his second year with the Bears, has carved out a role on special teams and in sub-packages, tallying 17 total tackles and a pass deflection. He’s not a headliner, but he’s been a steady contributor on a team with serious postseason aspirations.
Brennan Presley - Los Angeles Rams
The Rams are locked into the NFC’s sixth seed heading into their regular-season finale against the Cardinals.
Rookie wideout Brennan Presley has only seen action in one game so far and didn’t record any stats, but just being active on a playoff-bound roster is a step forward. With the Rams eyeing a potential postseason run, Presley could be called on if depth becomes an issue.
Collin Oliver - Green Bay Packers
Green Bay holds the seventh and final playoff spot in the NFC for now.
Rookie linebacker Collin Oliver hasn’t seen game action yet due to injuries, but he was activated from injured reserve on December 22. If the Packers make it to the dance, Oliver might finally get his shot to contribute on the field.
Still in the Hunt
Chuba Hubbard - Carolina Panthers
The Panthers are currently clinging to the final NFC playoff spot, and while Chuba Hubbard hasn’t replicated last year’s breakout campaign, he’s still in the mix.
After rushing for nearly 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns a season ago, an early injury this year opened the door for Rico Dowdle to take over lead duties. Hubbard enters Week 18 with 501 rushing yards and just one score.
If Carolina can clinch a spot, they’ll need all hands on deck-including a healthy and motivated Hubbard.
Jaylen Warren, Mason Rudolph, Tre Flowers - Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are hanging onto the eighth and final playoff spot in the AFC, and this weekend’s clash with Baltimore could determine their fate.
Jaylen Warren continues to be a spark plug in the backfield, rushing 12 times for 64 yards in Week 17, though a fumble marred an otherwise solid outing. Mason Rudolph has stepped in for Aaron Rodgers in five games this year, including a win over Cincinnati.
He’s lost his lone start, but with Rodgers’ health always a question, Rudolph remains just one snap away from taking over. On the defensive side, corner Tre Flowers has been a steady presence in the secondary rotation.
Justice Hill, Tylan Wallace - Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens-Steelers matchup is shaping up to be a winner-take-all for the AFC North crown-and a guaranteed playoff berth.
Baltimore’s backfield could get a boost if Justice Hill returns from a neck injury that’s sidelined him for the past month. Head coach John Harbaugh sounded optimistic earlier this month about Hill’s availability for Week 18.
Meanwhile, wideout Tylan Wallace has been a depth piece in the receiving corps and special teams unit. If Hill returns, it could be a timely reinforcement for a Ravens team looking to punch its postseason ticket.
Week 17 Spotlight: Jaylen Warren
Warren’s 12 carries for 64 yards in Week 17 were a bright spot in Pittsburgh’s offense, even with a costly fumble.
The Steelers will need him to be at his best in their do-or-die matchup against Baltimore. His ability to create yards after contact and provide a dual-threat option out of the backfield could be a difference-maker in a game with massive playoff implications.
With one week left in the regular season, the stakes couldn’t be higher. For these former Oklahoma State standouts, the postseason is either a certainty or just within reach. Whether they’re key contributors or waiting in the wings, they’ve all got a chance to play a role in the NFL’s most important stretch of the year.