2026 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Brandon Rawls, LB, Oklahoma State University

• Name: Brandon Rawls
• Position: LB
• College: Oklahoma State University
• Height: 6′ 0″
• Weight: 235 lbs
• Instagram: @b.rawls4

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

Growing up, I grew up in a football family. All my siblings played sports so you know football was always part of my family. My dad played football with my uncles. My dad actually had a short stint in football, he’s more of a basketball player, but my uncles really inspired me. And I just love the game. I just grew up playing with my friends in the neighborhood.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

I’ll say one of my favorite moments would be being able to go to Oklahoma State was big for me and being able to perform on a big stage. I will say our win at Saginaw Valley State over UIndy, that was a pretty big moment for us and then I will say being able to be there on my little brother’s recruiting visit when he committed to my old school that was pretty huge.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day, who and why?

I would hang out with Kam Chancellor. Kam Chancellor was my inspiration growing up. He really got me into football and I think I can really pick his brain.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

I’m going to go 4-2-5. I like how free the linebackers play. Personally, my style of play is being able to be the inside the box linebacker and being able to get out and cover sometimes but not being hindered and stuck in one spot.

What stands out about your film the most?

I will say my presence in the run game. I think I’m a pretty good run fitter if I do say so myself, I think I’m pretty physical on tackles I finish aggressively.

What should we know about Brandon Rawls the person?

He’s a leader. I love pulling guys along with me and I’m also a great listener too as well and I don’t mind sitting back and hearing other people’s opinions and taking advice and learning things from other people who’ve been there before me.

What do you love the most about the game of football?

The physicality you know it’s kind of gotten soft nowadays, but you know it’s still there. You still see flashes. You know that Houston Texans defense this past year was really showing what football is all about. I just love the physicality.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

Elijah Gordon. He’s currently at Central Michigan. He’s a free safety. I think he was extremely underrated with no offers coming out of high school. He got lucky to get offered to go to Saginaw Valley State and earned his way. He got into the portal and got to Central Michigan. He had a great year and is preparing for his pro day and then the second player I will say will be Parker Robinson safety, I played with this past year in the boundary, not the biggest guy, but has the heart of a lion. You know he was like our top-rated guy on PFF this year and made a lot of big plays in big situations.

What would a team get in a player like you?

Somebody who’s ready to lay it all on the line for the team and do whatever it takes to win that means holding kicks you know if I have to be there, you know the loudest guy sideline has to do anything, you know grabbing gear I just want to be on the team and make an impact yo know. I’m a big special team’s guy. I’m ready to go down there and make a big impact on special teams. You know, special teams change the game.