Jacob Rodriguez adds the Chuck Bednarik Award to his historic 2025 trophy haul, solidifying his legacy as the most decorated defender in Tech history.
Jacob Rodriguez is no longer just a leader on the field; he's a legend in Texas Tech history.
The senior linebacker was named the 2025 Chuck Bednarik Award winner, honoring the top defensive player in college football. With this latest accolade, Rodriguez becomes the first Red Raider ever to win the Bednarik and now holds one of the most decorated resumes in program history.
This adds to a mind-blowing haul that already includes the Lombardi Award, Butkus Award, Pony Express Award, and Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. He also earned All-American honors from nearly every major outlet.
Rodriguez's 2025 season was one for the record books. In just 13 games, he totaled:
- 117 tackles
- 11 tackles for loss
- 4 interceptions
- 2 forced fumbles
- 1 sack
He also led the nation in forced fumbles (7) - second-most in Texas Tech history behind Dwayne Slay - and was a central figure in a Red Raider defense that ranked top five nationally in rushing yards, total yards, and points allowed per game.
Rodriguez wasn’t just productive ... he was disruptive.
His instincts, football IQ, and elite pursuit gave Texas Tech's front seven the confidence to attack, knowing he'd be right there to clean up or make a game-changing play.
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He also made Heisman history, tying for the third-highest finish in school history behind Donny Anderson, Graham Harrell, and Michael Crabtree.
His journey is just as remarkable as his numbers as a former walk-on quarterback turned elite linebacker. Rodriguez developed into a once-in-a-generation player through pure grit and relentless preparation.
"I couldn’t have dreamed of this," Rodriguez said during the ESPN College Football Awards. "I'm just so thankful to Coach McGuire and this university. It's been an unbelievable ride."
He now joins Manti Te'o and Luke Kuechly as one of only three players in CFB history to win the Butkus, Lombardi, Nagurski, and Bednarik Awards.
From walk-on to Bednarik, Jacob Rodriguez has etched his name in Red Raider lore forever ... and he's not done writing his story just yet.