Texas Tech University Athletics
Rodriguez adds to trophy case with Lombardi Award
December 10, 2025 | Football
Jacob Rodriguez claimed his fourth national honor in the past week Wednesday with the Lombardi Award
HOUSTON, Texas – Texas Tech's new trophy room inside the Dustin R. Womble Football Center might soon need its own section dedicated only to Jacob Rodriguez.
The Texas Tech senior earned his fourth national honor in the past week alone Wednesday night as he was named the 2025 winner of the Lombardi Award, which is presented to the nation's top lineman or linebacker. The presentation took place at the Lombardi Award's annual gala held in Houston.
The Lombardi Award joins with the Butkus Award (nations' top linebacker), the Bronko Nagurski Trophy (nation's top defensive player) and the Pony Express Award (nation's top duo) in honoring Rodriguez in the past week. Rodriguez shared the Pony Express Award with teammate David Bailey, who was also among the four finalists in attendance Wednesday night. This is the first time in school history a Red Raider has received the Lombardi Award since its inception in 1970.
Rodriguez, who is also a finalist still for Walter Camp Player of the Year and the Chuck Bednarik Award (nation's top defensive player), has bolstered one of the nation's top defenses, leading the Red Raiders to their first Big 12 title in program history this season and their first appearance in the College Football Playoff.
The Red Raiders enter a potential matchup with either No. 5 Oregon or No. 12 seed James Madision at 12-1 overall, marking the most wins in program history. Rodriguez has now led Texas Tech to four-consecutive bowl appearances during his career after going from a scholarship quarterback at Virginia, to walk-on linebacker with the Red Raiders and now a national award winner.
Rodriguez enters bowl season as the FBS leader with seven forced fumbles and ranks among the top-15 players nationally with 117 tackles. He is the first FBS player since 2005 to record at least five forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and four interceptions in the same season. His impact anchored a Texas Tech defense that leads the nation with 31 takeaways and ranks third nationally in scoring defense at 10.9 points per game. Rodriguez was responsible for nine takeaways himself — all in Big 12 play.
Rodriguez is currently the highest-rated player in all of college football, according to Pro Football Focus, grading out at 93.3 overall so far this season. He is the top-rated player in the country in terms of rush defense, receiving a 95.5 grade in that area for a Red Raider defense that is easily the nation's best in stopping opponents on the ground. Texas Tech is giving up only 68.5 rushing yards a game thanks to Rodriguez, who also ranks fifth nationally in coverage with a 92.3 grade.
Now in its 52nd year, the Lombardi Award has been presented annually in Houston since its inception. Selected from a preseason watch list of more than 50 players representing every FBS conference as well as independent schools, the four finalists exemplify the highest standards of character, discipline and excellency both on and off the field. The award was established in 1970 by the Rotary Club of Houston in memory of legendary coach Vince Lombardi.
