Overview
- The Heisman finalists announced Dec. 9 are quarterbacks Fernando Mendoza (Indiana), Diego Pavia (Vanderbilt), Julian Sayin (Ohio State) and running back Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame).
- Rodriguez won the Bronko Nagurski Award on Monday night in Charlotte, recognizing him as the nation’s top defensive player.
- His season includes Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and the Butkus Award, with 117 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, seven forced fumbles, four interceptions, six pass breakups and two fumble recoveries through 13 games.
- Texas Tech beat BYU 34-7 for the Big 12 title, is the No. 4 seed in the College Football Playoff and is slated for the Orange Bowl on New Year’s Day against the Oregon–James Madison winner.
- Former players and analysts, including Robert Griffin III and Leger Douzable, publicly criticized Rodriguez’s omission, while Patrick Mahomes had previously urged a Heisman invite.