Texas Tech senior linebacker Jacob Rodriguez has cemented his place in college football history, becoming the first Red Raider ever to win the prestigious Butkus Award, given annually to the nation’s top linebacker. Rodriguez’s breakout 2025 campaign not only redefined Texas Tech’s defensive identity but also propelled him into the national spotlight, where he is now being discussed as a legitimate Heisman Trophy contender—an increasingly rare honor for a defensive player.
Rodriguez’s journey to Lubbock has been anything but conventional. The 6-foot-1, 235-pound star from Wichita Falls began his college career at Virginia, where he showcased remarkable versatility in 2021 by lining up at quarterback, wide receiver, tight end, and running back. Appearing in all 12 games as a freshman, he totaled 56 rushing yards and 65 receiving yards before transferring to Texas Tech and transitioning full-time to defense.
Before college, Rodriguez was a dynamic four-sport athlete at Rider High School. As a dual-threat quarterback and safety, he threw for 7,085 yards and 68 touchdowns while adding 3,051 rushing yards and 38 scores, earning four-star recognition from ESPN.
Now a national award winner and rising Heisman candidate, Rodriguez has become the centerpiece of a historic season for Texas Tech.
