Jacob Rodriguez wins the Lombardi Award

It looks like Texas Tech senior linebacker Jacob Rodriguez is going to have to clear more space in his trophy cabinet. On Wednesday night, he won the prestigious Lombardi Award, becoming the first Red Raider and 52. recipient since its establishment in 1970.

The Lombardi Award, presented by the Rotary Club of Houston, recognizes the nation’s top offensive or defensive lineman or linebacker for their performance on the field, leadership, character and discipline. Rodriguez won the award over fellow finalists Texas Tech wide receiver David Bailey, Texas A&M defensive end Cashius Howell and Alabama offensive lineman Kadin Proctor.

Rodriguez’s accolade comes after a tumultuous week in which he also won the Butkus Award, honoring the nation’s top running back; Bronko Nagurski Trophy, awarded to the best defensive player overall; and the Pony Express Award, which he shared with teammate David Bailey for the best team duet in the country. Additionally, he was named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and remains a finalist for the Walter Camp Player of the Year and the Chuck Bednarik Award.

Simply put, Rodriguez has been the anchor of a defense that few have realized this season. The 6-foot-1, 235-pound senior from Wichita Falls Rider High School made 117 tackles, including 11 for a loss, one sack, seven forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, four interceptions and six passes defensed. His seven forced fumbles lead all FBS players this season, and he is the first player since 2005 to record at least five forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and four interceptions in a season.

Rodriguez’s efforts have bolstered a Texas Tech defense that leads the nation in scoring with 31 and ranks third nationally in scoring defense, allowing just 10.9 points per game. Pro Football Focus ranked him as the top-rated tight end in the country, giving him a 93.3 overall grade and a 95.5 pass rush defense.

Originally a scholarship quarterback at Virginia, Rodriguez transferred to linebacker at Texas Tech in 2022, immediately becoming one of head coach Joey McGuire’s leaders in the program. His breakthrough came this season, helping lead the Red Raiders to a 12-1 record, the first Big 12 championship in school history and the first appearance in the College Football Playoff. In the Big 12 title game at AT&T Stadium, Rodriguez made a team-high 13 tackles as a Texas Tech crushed BIU 34-7booking the 4th overall seed and survival in the first round of the playoffs.

The Red Raiders will next take the field in the College Football Playoff at the Orange Bowl on Jan. 1, 2026, facing the winner of James Madison vs. Oregon.