Texas Tech’s Rodriguez Shines Despite Heisman Snub as Red Raiders Make History
In a landmark season that will be remembered in Lubbock for generations, the Texas Tech Red Raiders have accomplished what many once thought impossible—securing their first-ever College Football Playoff berth after a decisive victory over BYU to claim the Big 12 championship. This historic achievement positions Texas Tech as the No. 4 seed in the playoff bracket, granting them a valuable first-round bye as they await the winner of the No. 12 James Madison versus No. 5 Oregon matchup. The Red Raiders’ success represents not just a culmination of a single season’s work but a transformation of a program that has long lived in the shadow of other Texas football powerhouses.
The heart and soul of this Texas Tech revolution has been linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, whose journey from Virginia transfer to defensive cornerstone epitomizes the team’s rise. Rodriguez’s statistical impact tells only part of the story—117 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, four interceptions, one sack, six pass deflections, and seven forced fumbles this season alone. Over two years, he has accumulated 244 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, and 10 forced fumbles. But numbers fail to capture the emotional leadership and physical presence he brings to every snap. When the Red Raiders needed crucial stops, when momentum threatened to swing away, Rodriguez consistently delivered moments that changed games and, ultimately, changed the program’s trajectory.
Despite Rodriguez’s undeniable impact, the college football establishment delivered a surprising slight when he was not included among the four Heisman Trophy finalists. The announcement raised eyebrows across the sport, with many analysts questioning how the defensive anchor of a playoff team could be overlooked. The finalists instead include Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin, Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia, and Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love—all deserving players, but Rodriguez’s absence demonstrates the continuing bias toward offensive statistics in college football’s most prestigious individual award. For Texas Tech fans, the snub only added fuel to their perception that their program must continually fight for respect on the national stage.
While the Heisman committee may have overlooked Rodriguez’s contributions, other award organizations recognized his exceptional talent and character. On Wednesday evening, Texas Tech proudly announced that Rodriguez had been named the recipient of the prestigious Lombardi Award, presented annually to the nation’s top lineman or linebacker who exemplifies the discipline, character, and performance demonstrated by legendary coach Vince Lombardi. This historic honor—the first ever for a Texas Tech player—validates what Red Raiders supporters have witnessed all season: Rodriguez embodies the highest ideals of college football both on and off the field. His selection as Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year further cemented his legacy in conference history.
The Rodriguez story parallels Texas Tech’s larger narrative—underestimated, overlooked, but ultimately undeniable. The Red Raiders have constructed a balanced team whose strength extends beyond individual stars. While their defense, anchored by Rodriguez, has rightfully received praise for transforming a program once known primarily for offensive fireworks, the team’s overall cohesion has been its defining characteristic. Players consistently reference the family atmosphere and collective belief that has propelled them past traditional powers and into championship contention. Coaches speak of the team’s resilience in difficult moments and ability to remain focused amid growing national attention.
As Texas Tech prepares for its playoff journey, Rodriguez now has the opportunity to showcase his talents on college football’s biggest stage. The combination of individual recognition through the Lombardi Award and team success through the playoff berth creates a perfect platform for Rodriguez and his teammates to complete their fairy-tale season. For a program that has often seemed on the periphery of college football’s elite conversations, this moment represents validation of their approach and potential. Whether they advance further in the playoff or not, the 2023 Texas Tech Red Raiders—led by their Lombardi Award-winning linebacker—have permanently altered expectations in Lubbock and perceptions nationwide of what this program can achieve.
