2025 LOMBARDI AWARD WINNER

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Jacob Rodriguez, a senior linebacker for Texas Tech from Wichita Falls, stands out as both a leader and one of the most dynamic players in college football. In 11 games, he leads the Red Raiders with seven forced fumbles, 100 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, one sack, four interceptions, and two fumble recoveries. At 6'1" and 235 pounds, he combines his athleticism and instinctive playmaking ability. His performance, charisma, and signature mustache have drawn national attention.

Rodriguez’s journey began long before Texas Tech. At Rider High School, he excelled as a dual-threat quarterback, throwing for 7,085 passing yards and 68 touchdowns while rushing for 3,051 yards and 38 scores. He led his team to back-to-back Class 5A Division II state semifinals. After moving from Hastings, Minnesota to Texas at age 10, he quickly adapted to the local football culture. The youngest of

five, Rodriguez developed a competitive edge wrestling and playing sports with his twin brothers, Joshua and Jeremiah. "Being the youngest... they supported me in becoming who I can be," he said, crediting his family for shaping his work ethic and focus. His quarterback background laid the foundation for his college career. After earning ESPN four-star status in high school, Rodriguez committed to Virginia before transferring to Texas Tech in 2022 and transitioning to linebacker under head coach Joey McGuire. His offensive experience helps him to anticipate formations, read quarterbacks, and create turnovers on defense. Rodriguez’s resilience was tested early at Texas Tech. In 2023, Rodriguez earned a starting spot for the Red Raiders, but a foot injury sidelined him for eight weeks mid-season. During his recovery, his wife Emma, an Army Black Hawk pilot, provided steady support. Playing through a calf injury in 2025 further tested his mental toughness. Rodriquez credits balancing football and marriage with helping him excel as both an athlete and a person.

Off the field, Rodriguez’s commitment to service mirrors his intensity on the field. He values personal connections over formal events. He regularly mentors young athletes at his high school, organizes food drives and supports veterans with Emma, drawing inspiration from her military background. While in high school, they dressed as superheroes to visit Cook's Children's Hospital in Wichita Falls to uplift young patients. As a Lombardi Award™ finalist, visiting MD Anderson's children's ward to meet the "Front Line Kids" was especially meaningful, aligning with his passion for fostering resilience in others. "We loved it... it's more eye-opening to us... these kids are going through something horrific, and they have the biggest smile," he shared.

Rodriguez’s on-field dominance reflects this same intent, focus, and discipline. He is a standout linebacker as a result of his sharp pre-snap reads, a skill he has developed.

He quickly recognizes run plays and uses his strong hands to get past blockers. Equally, his timing on blitzes, ability to bend, and quick instincts help in coverage. This defensive expertise translates to leading the nation in forced fumbles—a result of daily focused practice: "We drill it every day... punching and ripping the ball," he explained. Rodriguez looks up to versatile professional players and remains committed to forcing turnovers: "We're always looking to take the ball away."

Rodriguez’s discipline extends beyond football. His favorite team tradition is pre-game dinner and movie night, a ritual that strengthens bonds and focus. "The night before... phones away... break bread... then go to the movie theater. You can't get this time back." Guided by his motto, "How you do anything is how you do everything," he applies that philosophy to football, academics, and life. In his downtime, he enjoys golf, movies, and video games, and hopes to pursue coaching after his playing career.

Jacob Rodriguez is more than a standout athlete. He embodies resilience, values family, and gives back to the community. In all he does, Rodriguez exemplifies a Red Raider and everything the Lombardi Award™ represents.