Rodriguez Named to Butkus Award Preseason Watch List

STILLWATER – Oklahoma State linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez is one of 51 players on the preseason watch list for the 2021 Butkus Award, announced Monday by the Butkus Foundation.

Rodriguez is also one of seven players from the Big 12 who was named to the watchlist for the award, which is presented annually to the nation’s best linebacker.

A senior who elected to return to Oklahoma State following the NCAA eligibility ruling around COVID-19, Rodriguez is a two-time All-Big 12 selection and 2020 team captain. His 34 career starts are the most on the OSU defense after having started every game at middle linebacker in the last two seasons. He led the Cowboys with 82 total tackles in 2020 with 58 of those coming as solo tackles, which was the most among all Power Five linebackers and seventh among all FBS players.

This is the second-consecutive season Rodriguez has been named to the preseason watch list for the Butkus Award. He was also named to the 2021 Chuck Bednarik Award watch list, honoring the nation’s most outstanding defensive player, along with teammate Kolby Harvell-Peel.

Semifinalists for the Butkus Award are expected to be named by Nov. 1, and finalists coming Nov. 22. The recipient will be announced on or before Dec. 7, and will be celebrated Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022.