Roberts had himself a stellar 2025 season, but can the linebacker take his game to the next level ahead of being drafted?
The 2025 season for Texas Tech was one to remember, and for a host of reasons, as the program posted a 12-2 record.
The Red Raiders beat BYU in the Big 12 Championship game before losing to Oregon in the Orange Bowl.
That is a good season by most metrics, and a big part of the Red Raiders' rise was their stout defense, led by linebacker Ben Roberts.
The Red Raiders, from their 14 total games, gave up 20+ points just three times, while keeping offenses to 10 points or under seven times.
And Roberts' fingerprints were all over it. Yes, David Bailey's as well, but let's focus on Ben.
From his 14 games, 90 combined tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, and four interceptions, along with a fumble recovery and two forced fumbles.
Now, as we look ahead to the new college football season, many have big plans for what Roberts can become for Texas Tech.
Seen as one of the better linebackers in college, can Roberts elevate his game to where he can be "the" guy on defense? It is possible.
And it appears others think so too.
For ESPN's Matt Miller and Jordan Reid, when ranking their top five linebacker prospects ahead of the new season, both had Roberts in the top five.
That is a big feather in his cap, but surely he'd want to be ranked a little higher.
And he has the chance to do that this season, as his coverage skills and ability to take the ball away, while also being stout against the run, are all traits that should hold him in good order for the Red Raiders.
And NFL teams will be watching intently to see the progress we expect to see Ben make over the duration of the year.
Roberts, as a top-five linebacker before a snap has been played, is a great starting point, and as the draft no doubt comes into view later in the year, Ben will want to be viewed as one of the best in college, not a top-five linebacker.
And he's got every chance of making that happen.
