The exclusion of Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez from the Heisman Trophy ceremony in New York City, despite his historic season, has ignited a firestorm of controversy, highlighting the Heisman's persistent bias against defensive players. Rodriguez, the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, was the recipient of both the Butkus Award (nation's top linebacker) and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy (nation's best defensive player). His stat line—which included 117 total tackles , 7 forced fumbles , 4 interceptions , and a defensive touchdown—was arguably superior to that of Manti Te'o 's 2012 season, when the Notre Dame linebacker finished as a Heisman runner-up. In fact, Rodriguez ended up finishing 5th overall in the final Heisman voting. The outrage stems from the fact that Rodriguez, the face of a Big 12 Champion and CFP-bound team, was passed over for three quarterbacks and one running back, cementing the perception that the Heisman has become an "Offensive Player Award." His wife, Emma Rodriguez, publicly called out the Heisman Trust, and former Heisman winner Robert Griffin III branded the snub a "CRIME AGAINST HUMANITY." Rodriguez's exclusion is a clear signal that the award’s voters prioritize quarterbacks and offensive production over defensive dominance, regardless of how impactful a player is to his team's success. This systemic bias denied one of the most decorated defensive players of the modern era the recognition he earned on the national stage in New York. Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Omaha Steaks Save big on unforgettable gifts with Omaha Steaks. Visit https://OmahaSteaks.com for 50% off site-wide and an extra 20% off select favorites during their Cyber Sale. And for an additional $35 off, use promo code COLLEGE at checkout. Rugiet If you’ve been thinking about taking the next step, now’s the time. Head to https://Rugiet.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGE to get 15% off your order for a limited time. Rugiet Ready. Feel present. Feel confident. Feel ready. Aura Frames For a limited time, save on the perfect gift by visiting https://AuraFrames.com to get $35 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames - named #1 by Wirecutter - by using promo code COLLEGE at checkout. Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
