Patrick Mahomes backs Jacob Rodriguez’s Heisman candidacy
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Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker Jacob Rodriguez shows off his Heisman Trophy pose after playing a big role in the team’s 29-7 victory over the BYU Cougars on Saturday.
Texas Tech was ranked No. 8 in the country, while BYU was ranked No. 7. The Red Raiders got a boost from Rodriguez in the third quarter.
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Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (10) is seen during the NCAA football game against Arizona on Oct. 5, 2024, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri, File)
Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier dropped back to pass and found Rodriguez in coverage. The defender threw the ball to him and made the tackle. Rodriguez posed after being taken down.
Current Kansas City Chiefs star and former Texas Tech standout Patrick Mahomes has endorsed Rodriguez.
“Take him to New York,” Mahomes wrote to X.
Rodríguez said after the game that his teammates forced him to pose in this pose as he prepared for a 14-tackle game with an interception and a fumble recovery.
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Emma Rodriguez (L) kisses her husband, Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, before the NCAA college football game between Texas Tech and BYU on Saturday, November 8, 2025 in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Annie Rice)
ESPN’s Holly Rowe asked him immediately after the win if he was in the Heisman Trophy conversation right now.
“I hope so,” he said.
Rodriguez has 74 total tackles, five pass breakups, one sack, seven forced fumbles and two interceptions. Texas Tech is 9-1 this season and has a good chance of moving up in the College Football Playoff standings when the new spots are announced Tuesday night.
Rodriguez said he and head coach Joey McGuire talk “a lot” about the Heisman and appreciate the support.
“The Heisman is given to the best football player. It’s not given to the best quarterback; they have awards for that,” McGuire said. “If you can’t tell Jacob Rodriguez isn’t playing his position at an elite level, as well as anyone in the country… This kid deserves to be a part of this.”
Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (10) leaves the field before the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Jones AT&T Stadium on October 25, 2025. (Michael C. Johnson/Imagn Images)
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The Heisman Trophy hasn’t been won by a defensive player since Charles Woodson in 1997. Travis Hunter won last year. He played cornerback and wide receiver at Colorado.
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