The defensive line returns 84 percent of its tackle production from last season and loses just one starter in defensive tackle Cameron Murray.

"We're a special group," defensive lineman Tyler Lacy said. "We've been together for some time now. We all know each other we all click together. It's amazing to see where we started to where we are now. The younger guys are looking up to us and it feels like we were just them not too long ago."

The Cowboys have a plethora of dynamic defensive ends in Trace Ford, Lacy and Brock Martin, who were the biggest playmakers along the line in 2020. The trio accounted for 81 tackles, 20 tackles for loss and 11 sacks. Ford, who has started since his true freshman season in 2019, has faced consistent double teams throughout his career and still filled up the stat line. He suffered an injury in the 2020 regular-season finale at Baylor and used the offseason to focus on rehabilitation.

Lacy emerged as a high-level talent as last season progressed and ended up leading all OSU defensive linemen with 32 tackles and 8.0 tackles for loss. He also tied Brock Martin for the lead with five quarterback hurries while adding 4.0 sacks and a forced fumble. Martin added 27 tackles with 7.5 tackles for loss and scored on a fumble return at TCU.

Other exterior linemen with meaningful playing experience include Kody Walterscheid, Tyren Irby and Collin Clay, who looks to return after arriving in 2020 and sitting out with an injury.

On the interior, OSU will be led by seniors Israel Antwine, who has 26 career starts, and Brendon Evers, who has eight career starts. Samuela Tuihalamaka, Sione Asi and Jayden Jernigan have also played up front and will be a factor in providing depth up the middle.

"Inside we've held our own the last couple of seasons, but I want to be dominate," defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said. "We have a lot of guys that can play there and a lot of big guys coming back."

New arrivals on the defensive line include freshmen four-star recruits Collin Oliver and Aden Kelley, as well as JUCO product Nathan Latu. Martin gave high praise to the four-star Edmond Santa Fe product, Oliver, saying he will "be an All-American by the end of his career."

"He's just a freak athlete," Martin said. "He's strong in the weight room, he takes this stuff serious, asks questions and has a lot of help. He's got me and Trace, who is another guy who came from Santa Fe."