Patrick Mahomes Makes Heisman Case for Texas Tech LB Jacob Rodriguez

Caleb Rodriguez recorded 14 total tackles in the win over BYU.

Patrick Mahomes Makes Heisman Case for Texas Tech LB Jacob Rodriguez

Jacob Rodriguez in circle and Patrick Mahomes (Image via Red Raiders/IMAGO)

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Texas Tech Red Raiders has several elite talents this year: senior quarterback Behren Morton, wide receiver Caleb Douglas, and sophomore running back Cameron Dickey. However, none of them has made more noise on the field than linebacker Jacob Rodriguez.

Rodriguez established himself as one of the leaders in the Texas Tech defense in just one full year of college football. According to The City Record and Associated Press, Rodriguez, a senior, was among the pre-season favorites for the 2026 Heisman Trophy alongside Arizona quarterback Sam Leavitt, Texas quarterback Arch Manning, and Utah QB Devon Dampier.

The trio of quarterbacks has struggled to make a positive impact through the first ten games of the season, allowing Rodriguez to take charge in the Heisman race. While it’s still a long shot, his performance in the week eleven victory over the BYU Cougars further boosted his chances.

Jacob Rodriguez logged 14 total tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 interception, and 1 fumble return as the Red Raiders decimated BYU 29-7 to go 9-1 for the season. The 23-year-old received generous endorsement from one of Texas Tech’s favorite sons and alumni, Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes wants Rodriguez to win the Heisman Trophy.

Rodriguez leads the Raiders’ defense with 49 solo tackles, 42 assists, 3 interceptions, 5 pass breakups, 7 forced fumbles, 2 fumble returns, and 1 sack. He is on the path to becoming the first linebacker to win the Heisman Trophy in NCAA history. Retired Notre Dame LB Manti Te’o came closest to winning the coveted trophy in 2021, finishing second behind eventual winner Johnny Manziel, quarterback of Texas A&M.

Jacob appeared in all 13 games in 2024, racking up 127 total tackles (77 solo) and 10.5 tackles for loss, including 5.0 sacks. According to the Texas Tech football official record chart, Rodriguez recorded the most tackles (in 2024) by a Red Raider in a single season since Lawrence Flugence set an NCAA FBS record with 193 stops in 2002. He was named to the All-Big 12 first team by the conference coaches and Associated Press.

Former Heisman Trophy winner says Jacob Rodriguez has a strong shot at joining the Hall of Famers

Before playing the Cougars on Saturday, Rodriguez and Red Raiders quarterback Behren Morton sat with retired NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III on his “Outta Pocket” podcast. RG3 won the Heisman Trophy while playing for Baylor in 2011, so he knows a thing or two about what qualifies an individual to become the best player in college football.

Patrick Mahomes Makes Heisman Case for Texas Tech LB Jacob Rodriguez
Jacob Rodriguez (Image via The City Record)

RG3 tweeted,

Texas Tech LB Jacob Rodriguez should be the Heisman Front Runner on every list this week. From Walk On sleeping on his brother’s apartment floor to a Heisman Trophy candidate.

Rodriguez acknowledged his wife, Emma Rodriguez, an Army Black Hawk pilot, as the key inspiration behind his achievements as a college star.

Watching her grow and be the woman she is, she’s amazing….She’s a big reason why I love football and why I had the opportunity to do the things I can do because she is so supportive.

Currently, the 10-0 Indiana Hoosiers quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, leads the Heisman race, followed by Ohio State’s QB Julian Sayin in second and Alabama’s quarterback Ty Simpson in third.

Texas Tech closes the season with games against UCF and West Virginia, two teams they should beat. Rodriguez’s chances of winning the Heisman Trophy are slim, but crazier things have happened.

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