Sat Dec 06 15:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez Wins Butkus Award

ARLINGTON, TX – Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez has been named the recipient of the prestigious Butkus Award, honoring the nation’s top college linebacker. The announcement, made Friday, December 5th, marks the first time a Red Raider has received the honor, which was established in 1985.

Rodriguez, a fifth-year senior from Wichita Falls Rider, accepted the award in a surprise presentation in front of his team, led by Matt Butkus, son of the award’s namesake, Hall of Fame linebacker Dick Butkus, and former Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware, a two-time NFL Butkus Award winner.

“We couldn’t be prouder that Jacob Rodriguez is this year’s winner of the Butkus Award,” said Texas Tech Head Coach Joey McGuire. “Jacob’s performance this season has placed him in a select category as one of the top players in college football, and our entire program could not be more ecstatic that he is being recognized with such a prestigious award.”

The award comes on the heels of Rodriguez being named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, as selected by the conference’s head coaches. He will lead the Red Raiders against Brigham Young in the Big 12 Championship game at AT&T Stadium on Saturday.

Rodriguez’s impressive season includes 104 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, a sack, and a nation-leading 7 forced fumbles. He also boasts 4 interceptions, 2 fumble recoveries, and 6 pass breakups. Coach McGuire even incorporated Rodriguez into the offense as a wildcat quarterback in recent games, where he scored two rushing touchdowns.

Rodriguez is also a finalist for several other major awards, including the Lombardi Award, the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, the Lott IMPACT Trophy, the Bednarik Award, and the Walter Camp national player of the year. Coach McGuire has been advocating for Rodriguez as a Heisman Trophy candidate. A banquet will be held in January to celebrate his accomplishments.

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