Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez Earns Bronko Nagurski Award After Heisman Snub
LUBBOCK, Texas — Jacob Rodriguez, the standout senior linebacker for Texas Tech, was honored Monday night with the prestigious Bronko Nagurski Trophy, awarded annually to the nation’s top defensive player. The announcement came as a bittersweet moment for Rodriguez, who was notably absent from the list of Heisman Trophy finalists despite a season that many considered worthy of such recognition.
Rodriguez, a 6-foot-1, 230-pound force on the field, received the award at a banquet held at the Charlotte Convention Center. He was selected over other finalists including Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, Texas A&M defensive end Cashius Howell, and Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore. Known for his trademark dark mustache, which has become a symbol embraced by Texas Tech fans, Rodriguez has been a dominant presence this season.
His statistics underscore his impact: 114 tackles, four interceptions, seven forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and a sack. These numbers helped propel the Red Raiders’ defense to rank fifth nationally, allowing just 254.4 yards per game. Texas Tech’s defense has been a cornerstone of their success, contributing to a 12-1 record and a Big 12 championship.
The Red Raiders will make their first-ever appearance in the Orange Bowl on New Year’s Day, entering the College Football Playoff as the No. 4 seed with a bye week. They will face the winner of the quarterfinal matchup between No. 5 Oregon and No. 12 James Madison. Texas Tech’s defense, led by Rodriguez, has been especially impressive, with 12 victories this season by margins of 20 points or more — a feat matched only by the 2018 Alabama team in the Associated Press era.
Rodriguez’s Heisman Trophy candidacy gained widespread attention after a November win over BYU, where he recorded 14 tackles and two takeaways in a 29-7 victory. In a moment of exuberance, Rodriguez struck the iconic Heisman pose on the field. The gesture was noticed by Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, a Texas Tech alumnus and three-time Super Bowl MVP, who tweeted, “Get him to New York! @HeismanTrophy.”
Reflecting on the moment, Rodriguez said, “My guys, they wanted me to hit it. Just a rush of adrenaline.” Despite missing out on the Heisman finalist list, the Bronko Nagurski Award places Rodriguez among an elite group of defensive players. Past winners include NFL stars such as Will Anderson Jr., Chase Young, Aaron Donald, and Luke Kuechly.
Texas Tech’s remarkable defensive performance and Rodriguez’s individual excellence have drawn national attention to a program that has steadily risen in prominence. The university’s football success this season is documented in the College Football Playoff rankings, maintained by the College Football Playoff organization. The Bronko Nagurski Trophy itself is presented by the Touchdown Club of Charlotte, which annually honors the nation’s best defensive player.
As Texas Tech prepares for its Orange Bowl appearance, the spotlight will remain on Rodriguez and the Red Raiders’ defense, which has been instrumental in their historic season. The team’s defensive prowess is also reflected in national statistics available through the NCAA Football Statistics. Meanwhile, the Heisman Trophy, administered by the Heisman Trust, continues to generate debate among fans and analysts about the criteria for recognizing excellence in college football.
Jacob Rodriguez’s journey from overlooked Heisman candidate to Bronko Nagurski Award winner highlights the often unpredictable nature of college football accolades, but his impact on the field remains undeniable as Texas Tech aims for postseason glory.
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