Spotlight: Cord Nolan — A Rising Force from Bixby

When you talk about high-upside two-way stars in Oklahoma’s high school ranks, few names carry as much promise as Cord Nolan of Bixby High School. Nolan has already built a compelling body of work on both sides of the ball, and his commitment to Texas Tech marks a key milestone in his path. At Exposure University, highlighting athletes like Cord is exactly what we aim to do — showing where talent meets opportunity.

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Early Profile & Athletic Background

According to his 247Sports profile, Cord Nolan is listed as a linebacker (LB) with a height/weight of 6-0, 205 lbs. 247Sports He hails from Bixby, Oklahoma, and is a Class of 2026 prospect. 247Sports What makes Nolan particularly intriguing is not that he specializes in one spot — he’s a true two-way athlete:

• On defense, he consistently takes snaps at linebacker. 247Sports

• On offense, he also plays at tight end or H-back roles and has gained noticeable production in that capacity. 247Sports+2bixbyathletics.org+2

• Off the gridiron, Nolan also plays baseball, adding more athletic depth to his profile. 247Sports+1

That kind of versatility is gold in recruiting circles — coaches love athletes who can adapt, contribute in multiple phases, and understand the game from more than one perspective.

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On-Field Production & Growth

Let’s break down some of his on-field numbers and trends:

2024 (Junior season, defense):– 108 total tackles– 17 tackles for loss (TFL)– 5 sacks– 1 interception, 1 forced fumble (FF), 1 fumble recovery (FR) 247Sports

2023 (Sophomore year, offense & defense):– Offensively: 23 receptions for 632 yards and 10 touchdowns (big plays, averaging ~27.5 yards per catch) 247Sports– Defensively: 16 tackles, 1 sack, 2 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, 1 recovery 247Sports

Cumulative (so far):– 147 tackles, 22 TFL, 8 sacks– 64 receptions, 1327 receiving yards, 15 receiving TDs 247Sports

These numbers tell a clear story: Nolan is impactful — making plays behind the line of scrimmage, disrupting offenses, but also operating as a vertical threat when moved to offense.

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A Force from Bixby

Coming from the powerhouse program at Bixby High School, Nolan has become a name opposing coaches circle early in the week. At 6'0", 205 pounds, he brings a rare combination of strength, agility, and awareness to every snap. He’s a linebacker by title, but his game goes far beyond that — he reads plays like a quarterback and attacks the football like it owes him something.

Defensively, Nolan has been a game-changer. His 2024 season was filled with big moments: 108 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks — a stat line that screams dominance. His ability to shed blocks and deliver clean, physical hits made him the anchor of a defense that rarely gives opponents breathing room.

But his athleticism doesn’t stop there. On offense, Nolan has been used as a tight end and H-back, pulling in over 60 career receptions for 1,300+ yards and 15 touchdowns. Whether it’s catching passes over the middle or sealing the edge for a teammate, he finds a way to contribute — the true definition of a complete football player.

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Recruitment and the Red Raider Decision

Nolan’s recruitment process drew attention from programs across the Big 12 and beyond — Baylor, Kansas, Kansas State, Missouri, and Iowa State were all in the mix before he ultimately decided on Texas Tech.

His commitment to the Red Raiders fits his personality: tough, hardworking, and hungry. Texas Tech’s defense under head coach Joey McGuire has emphasized aggression and playmaking, two traits Nolan brings naturally. His ability to play both inside and outside linebacker makes him a versatile weapon for their scheme, and his leadership will be invaluable as he transitions to the next level.

For Nolan, it’s about more than just getting to college — it’s about making an impact. His mindset echoes that of Bixby’s championship culture: compete, dominate, and make the team around you better.

Stay Connected

You can follow Cord Nolan on X :Cord Nolan on X X (formerly Twitter)

You can also see him on Instagram: @cord.nolan Instagram