Jacob Rodriguez Shines as Texas Tech Downs No. 7 BYU

Texas Tech continued its midseason surge with a commanding 29–7 victory over the No. 7 BYU Cougars on Saturday, a result that showcased both their defensive dominance and growing confidence under head coach Joey McGuire. The win marked the Red Raiders’ second triumph over a ranked opponent this season, further signaling their emergence as a legitimate force in the Big 12.

While the team’s balanced performance stood out, the night once again belonged to star linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, whose all-around excellence has elevated him into national award conversations — including the Heisman Trophy. In a contest defined by intensity and execution, Rodriguez’s energy set the tone for a defense that stifled BYU from start to finish.

The victory was more than just a resume booster; it was a source of pride for a community deeply tied to the program. After the game, Rodriguez reflected on what the moment meant to the people of West Texas. “I think everybody in West Texas deserved this weekend,” he said. “They love football, and they love Texas Tech football. We’re so thankful and happy to give them this win.”

For the Red Raiders and their fans, it was a night of validation — proof that belief, effort, and a relentless defensive mindset could deliver results against some of the nation’s best.

1. Rodriguez’s Heisman Moment

Jacob Rodriguez didn’t just lead Texas Tech on Saturday — he embodied its identity. The junior linebacker finished with 14 total tackles, nine of them solo, along with a tackle for loss, a fumble recovery, and an interception. His performance was capped by a lighthearted moment that may soon become iconic: striking the Heisman pose after his interception return. “My guys wanted me to hit it,” Rodriguez said afterward, smiling. “Just a rush of adrenaline.” That celebration, though playful, reflected the growing national buzz around him. Even Texas Tech alumnus and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes publicly endorsed Rodriguez’s Heisman candidacy, amplifying the conversation. On the field, Rodriguez has become the emotional and tactical centerpiece of McGuire’s defense. His versatility allows him to disrupt plays sideline to sideline, drop into coverage, and generate turnovers — an increasingly rare combination. Against BYU, he was everywhere, setting the tone for a unit that allowed just seven points against one of the country’s most efficient offenses. It’s no surprise, then, that Rodriguez’s name is beginning to circulate beyond Lubbock. In a season dominated by quarterbacks, he represents something different: a defender whose play is impossible to ignore.

2. McGuire Makes the Case

Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire has no hesitation in backing his star linebacker’s case for national recognition. Asked about Rodriguez’s Heisman chatter, McGuire didn’t mince words. “The Heisman is given to the best football player,” he said. “It’s not given to the best quarterback; they have awards for that. If you can’t say that Jacob Rodriguez isn’t playing at an elite level — as good as anybody in the country — then you’re not watching close enough.” McGuire’s comments reflect both admiration and advocacy. He knows Rodriguez’s production goes beyond statistics — though those numbers are eye-popping on their own. Through nine games, the linebacker has recorded 88 total tackles (48 solo), seven forced fumbles, and three interceptions. Few defenders in college football can match that blend of impact and consistency. But for McGuire, Rodriguez’s value lies just as much in leadership as performance. “He’s the heartbeat of our defense,” the coach added. “He’s the guy everyone looks to when we need a stop, and he always seems to deliver.” That reliability has translated into results. Texas Tech’s defense has climbed steadily up the national rankings, particularly in turnover margin and rushing defense — two areas where Rodriguez’s fingerprints are all over the stat sheet.

3. Building Toward Bigger Goals

With the BYU win, Texas Tech improved to 6–3 on the season, solidifying its position as one of the Big 12’s most improved teams. More importantly, the victory reaffirmed the Red Raiders’ belief that they can compete with — and defeat — top-tier opponents through discipline and defense. Rodriguez, meanwhile, remains focused on the bigger picture. Despite the Heisman chatter, he has maintained a team-first approach. “All I care about is winning,” he said. “If what I do helps us keep doing that, then that’s what matters most.” The Red Raiders now turn their attention to next weekend’s matchup against UCF, a contest that offers another chance to build on momentum and inch closer to a potential bowl berth. For Rodriguez, it’s another stage to prove that defensive excellence deserves the same spotlight as offensive fireworks. In a season full of surprises, Texas Tech’s success story — and Rodriguez’s emergence as its face — has become one of college football’s most compelling developments.