Award-winning linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, a Defensive Player of the Year favorite, showcases his dominant game at the Senior Bowl, impressing NFL scouts.
The premier all-star contest in college football has added another standout to its game roster. Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez has accepted his invitation to play in the Senior Bowl, sponsored by Panini.
Rodriguez was the best defender in college football in 2025. He swept all the national awards: the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Butkus Award, Lombardi Award and the Bednarik Award. Rodriguez also finished fifth in the Heisman voting.
For the Red Raiders last season, Rodriguez posted 128 tackles (led the team), 11 tackles for loss, four interceptions, six pass breakups and forced seven fumbles. He also rushed for two touchdowns and returned a fumble for a score.
Rodriguez will join five of his teammates in the game: receivers Reggie Virgil and Caleb Douglas, DT Lee Hunter, DE Romello Height and LB David Bailey.
During the 2025 campaign, Rodriguez posted seven games of double-digit tackles. He posted 13 stops in the 34-7 win over BYU in the Big 12 title game.
To give you an example of how active Rodriguez was in games from his linebacker position, consider these examples:
· vs. Utah: 11 tackles, one INT, one forced fumble
· vs. Kansas: 14 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, one sack
· vs. Houston: two tackles for loss, two pass breakups, one INT, eight tackles
With his style of play and production, Rodriguez will have the full attention of NFL scouts, coaches, and general managers the week of the Senior Bowl.
According to the Senior Bowl website, 136 players have accepted invitations to play in this year’s game. The Senior Bowl has produced 50 players drafted in the top three rounds of the NFL Draft. Players are smart to accept those invitations as 99 percent of Senior Bowl participants were drafted into the NFL or signed as undrafted free agents.
For 76 years, the Senior Bowl has been ground zero for the gathering of college football’s best players to set foot upon the path to pro football stardom. Rodriguez’s journey to the NFL begins in Mobile.
Broadcast Information
Date: Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026
Time: 1:30 p.m. CT
Venue: Hancock Whitney Bank Stadium
Location: Mobile, Alabama
TV: NFL Network