Texas Tech placed four players on the Associated Press All-America teams, the AP announced Monday, underscoring the dominance of the Red Raiders’ defense during a historic season. Linebacker Jacob Rodriguez and outside linebacker David Bailey were named first-team All-Americans, while defensive linemen A.J. Holmes Jr. and Lee Hunter earned second- and third-team recognition, respectively.
Texas Tech was one of only four FBS programs with at least four selections across the three AP teams, joining Ohio State, Indiana and Oregon. The Red Raiders were also one of just two schools with multiple first-team defensive selections. All four honorees came from a Texas Tech defense ranked among the nation’s top five in scoring defense, total defense and sacks.
Rodriguez and Bailey added to their growing list of accolades after both were named to the Walter Camp All-America first team last week. Their AP recognition places them firmly in contention for consensus or unanimous All-America status, with additional teams set to be announced by the AFCA, Sporting News and FWAA later this week. Prior to this season, Texas Tech had never produced multiple AP first-team All-Americans in the same year.
Bailey has been one of the most disruptive pass rushers in college football, ranking second nationally with 13.5 sacks and third with 17.5 tackles for loss. He leads all power conference players in sacks and has generated an FBS-best 74 quarterback pressures, helping Texas Tech reach 39 team sacks entering bowl season.
Holmes emerged as a key contributor after stepping into a starting role early in Big 12 play, finishing the season with 9.0 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. Hunter provided veteran leadership in the middle of the defensive line, recording 34 tackles, including 8.5 for loss, while consistently occupying blockers to free up teammates.
Rodriguez capped one of the most remarkable defensive seasons in recent memory, winning multiple national awards and finishing fifth in Heisman Trophy voting. He leads the FBS with seven forced fumbles and ranks among the national leaders with 117 tackles, anchoring a Texas Tech defense that tops the country in takeaways and scoring defense. The Red Raiders enter the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl with a 12–1 record and the program’s first Big 12 title, awaiting the winner of Oregon vs. James Madison on New Year’s Day.
