Heisman Trophy snubs: Why Jeremiah Smith, Ty Simpson were not included among 2025 finalists

Daniel Chavkin

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Heisman Trophy snubs: Why Jeremiah Smith, Ty Simpson were not included among 2025 finalists image

Four players were announced as Heisman Trophy finalists this week, as those stars will head to New York to see who wins the coveted award.

Fernando Mendoza, Diego Pavia, Julian Sayin and Jeremiyah Love were all named the 2025 finalists after their stellar seasons. Mendoza and Pavia, specifically, are believed to be the two favorites after producing tremendous season. Meanwhile, Sayin's breakout season for Ohio State has him on the list as well, and Love is considered to be the best non-quarterback in the country.

However, with this announcement comes the players who had an argument to go to New York, but were held out in the end. While this year's Heisman Trophy race has been a little weaker than in year's past, there were still a few players who could argue that they should've been named a finalist.

Here's a breakdown of the biggest snubs for this year's Hesiman Trophy finalists.

MORE: Meet the four Heisman Trophy finalist headed to New York

Heisman Trophy snubs 2025

Jeremiah Smith

Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith is not a Heisman Trophy finalist this season despite another strong showing for the 12-1 Buckeyes this year.

The case for Smith

Smith is widely considered to be the best wide receiver in the country, as he now has over 2,400 receiving yards in his first two collegiate seasons. In fact, many fans and analysts think that Smith is the best player in the country regardless of position.

As Ohio State defended its national championship this year, Smith led the prolific Buckeyes' offense in catches, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. In the process, Smith made several highlight-reel catches that wowed the country and added to his Heisman case.

The case against Smith

While his numbers are impressive, Smith didn't separate from the wide receiver pack enough to become a finalist. His 80 receptions for 1,086 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns are all in the top 10 in the country, but only the catches led the Big 10 and none of those stats led the country.

Had it not been for Smith's name recognition, he likely wouldn't have been in the Heisman discussion all year. In his final two games of the regular season against UCLA and Michigan, Smith recorded just seven catches for 80 yards total, which is probably what ended his chance of getting a trip to New York.

Ty Simpson

While Alabama QB Ty Simpson was at one point the hottest quarterback in the nation, the first-year starter didn't do enough to get named a Heisman Trophy finalist.

The case for Simpson

After spending the last three years as a backup, Simpson took over the Crimson Tide this year and immediately thrust himself into the Heisman conversation. Simpson totaled 3,268 passing yards, 26 passing touchdowns and five interceptions, leading Alabama back to the College Football Playoff.

Simpson's case was highlighted by perhaps the most impressive win of the season, as Alabama beat Georgia on the road in Athens. He also began the season with eight-straight multi-touchdown games and eight games of at least 250 passing yards.

The case against Simpson

At one point, Simpson may have been the favorite for the Heisman Trophy, but that ended as Simpson struggled during the final weeks of the season. In his last three games, which included the SEC Championship against Georgia, Simpson had two games with under 481 passing yards total and produced just four passing touchdowns and three interceptions.

With a chance to cement his case in the SEC Championship game, Simpson couldn't figure out the Georgia defense and led the Crimson Tide to a season-low seven offensive points. He also totaled a season-low 48.7 completion percentage in that game, resulting in his worst game of the season.

MORE: College Football Playoff bracket and full schedule

Jacob Rodriguez

Texas Tech LB Jacob Rodriguez had a chance to be the lone defensive player invited to the ceremony, but he ultimately didn't make the cut.

The case for Rodriguez

Texas Tech had a magical 12-1 season to win the Big 12, and a large part was due to Rodrigeuz. A former quarterback at Virginia, Rodriguez transferred to Texas Tech and switched positions for the 2022 season, and he has spent the past four years in that position.

During the 2025 season, Rodriguez totaled 117 combined tackles, 11 tackles-for-loss, seven forced fumbles, four interceptions and one sack while leading one of the nation's best defenses. He's also occasionally played on offense, running for two touchdowns on two attempts earlier in the year.

The case against Rodriguez

In order for a defensive player to make the Heisman Trophy, they have to have eye-popping numbers, which Rodriguez wasn't able to produce. Rodriguez only led the nation in one stat, that being his seven forced fumbles, as his best attribute may be his ability to lead the Red Raiders' defense to 12 wins during the year.

It's difficult for defensive players to make the Heisman Trophy ceremony, which is why it's important for defensive players to have a particular attribute that can make their cases. Rodriguez, however, was not able to put up the numbers to put himself in discussion with the offensive stars. 

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