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Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker Jacob Rodriguez showcased Heisman Trophy status after he made a big play in the team’s 29-7 win over the BYU Cougars on Saturday.
Texas Tech entered the game as the No. 8 ranked team in the country, while BYU was No. 7. The Red Raiders got a boost from Rodriguez in the third quarter.
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Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (10) is seen during an NCAA football game against Arizona on Oct. 5, 2024, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri, File)
Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier dropped back to pass only to find Rodriguez in coverage. The linebacker tipped the ball to himself and made the interception. After he was knocked down, Rodriguez hit the post.
Patrick Mahomes, the current Kansas City Chiefs star and former Texas Tech standout, endorsed Rodriguez.
“Get him to New York,” Mahomes wrote on X.
Rodriguez said after the game that his teammates forced him to strike the pose as he put together a 14-tackle game with an interception and fumble recovery.
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Emma Rodriguez, left, kisses her husband, Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, before the NCAA college football game between Texas Tech and BYU, Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Annie Rice)
ESPN’s Holly Rowe asked him immediately after the win if he thought he was in the Heisman Trophy conversation now.
“I certainly hope so,” he said.
Rodriguez has 74 total tackles, five pass breakups, one sack, seven forced fumbles and two interceptions. Texas Tech is 9-1 this season and will likely move up in the College Football Playoff rankings when the new spots are revealed Tuesday night.
Rodriguez said he and head coach Joey McGuire have talked about the Heisman “a lot,” and he appreciates the support.
“The Heisman is given to the best football player. It’s not given to the best quarterback; they have awards for that,” McGuire said. “If you can’t say that Jacob Rodriguez, at his position, isn’t playing at an elite level as well as anybody in the country… That kid deserves to be a part of it.”
Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive back Jacob Rodriguez (10) leaves the field before the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Jones AT&T Stadium on Oct. 25, 2025. (Michael C. Johnson/Imagn Images)
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The Heisman Trophy has not been won by a single defender since Charles Woodson in 1997. Travis Hunter won it last year. He played cornerback and wide receiver for Colorado.
