Jacob Rodriguez

Our College Grade

How good he was in college at what his position is supposed to do, out of 100. Scored against everyone else at his position, adjusted for the level he played at. This is not his NFL grade.

College Production

Texas Tech · Big 12

The seasons in our college data. It does not always reach back to a player's first year.

Scouting Report

Texas Tech · 2026 draft class

Jacob Rodriguez capped one of the most decorated individual seasons in college football history, becoming the consensus best linebacker in the nation and sweeping every major defensive award. The Texas Tech standout won the Butkus Award (nation's best linebacker), Bednarik Award (nation's best defensive player), Bronco Nagurski Trophy, and Lombardi Award while receiving the most Heisman votes among defensive players. Rodriguez's journey to becoming a household name is unconventional: a 3-star recruit as an athlete in 2021, he began his career at Virginia playing quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end before transferring to Texas Tech and converting to linebacker-a move that unlocked one of the sport's most instinctive playmakers. His former quarterback experience translates directly to his exceptional processing speed and understanding of offensive concepts. In 2025, Rodriguez was a turnover machine: 117 tackles, 11 TFLs, a sack, four interceptions, six pass deflections, and a nation-leading seven forced fumbles. His "maniacal" punchout technique and ball-hawking instincts make him a disruptive force. Rodriguez's career totals are staggering: 306 tackles, 26 TFL, 6 sacks, 6 INT, 12 PBU, 5 FR, and 13 FF across 55 games. At 6'1", 235 pounds, Rodriguez is undersized by NFL prototype standards, and his short arms create problems wrapping up bigger ball carriers. He lacks power in his hits and can struggle to disengage from blockers. His stiff hips may limit matchups against athletic tight ends. However, his elite instincts, sideline-to-sideline range, and coverage ability profile him as a quality starter in zone-heavy systems.

Honors

Butkus Award (2025); Bednarik Award (2025); Bronco Nagurski Trophy (2025); Lombardi Award (2025); Most Heisman votes among defenders; First Team All-Big 12 (2024-25)