Sat Nov 01 21:30:00 UTC 2025: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Texas Tech Coach McGuire Campaigns for Rodriguez as Heisman Contender

LUBBOCK, TX – With the college football season entering its final stretch, Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire is making a case for linebacker Jacob Rodriguez to be considered for the Heisman Trophy. McGuire argues that with no clear frontrunner among quarterbacks and other offensive players, a defensive standout like Rodriguez deserves serious recognition.

“I don’t know, when you look at the Heisman race right now, who’s the no-brainer?” McGuire said. “It’s been a long time since we’ve looked at a defensive player as a possible guy.” He emphasized Rodriguez’s value to the team, stating, “We are a lot different when that guy is on the field.”

Rodriguez has been a dominant force for the Red Raiders this season. Going into Saturday’s game he was third in the Big 12 in tackles with 72 and leading the conference in forced fumbles with 5. He also has 4 pass breakups, 2 interceptions and returned a fumble for a touchdown last week against Oklahoma State. Pro Football Focus ranks him as the second highest-graded defensive player nationally, and the highest among inside linebackers, with a score of 92.7.

Safety Cole Wisniewski, who plays alongside Rodriguez, raves about his teammate’s impact. “Sometimes he’s taking tackles that I would love to make myself,” Wisniewski said. “He plays super fast, plays with great instincts.”

Adding to the significance of this weekend’s game against Kansas State is the personal connection for Rodriguez. His wife, Emma, a U.S. Army helicopter pilot, is stationed at Fort Riley, just 17 miles from Bill Snyder Family Stadium, where No. 13 Tech plays at 2:30 p.m. Saturday.

“It’ll be a home game for her,” Rodriguez said.

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