Texas Tech HC Praises Star LB's Dominant Senior Bowl

Jacob Rodriguez, the 2025 Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner, has impressed scouts with his playmaking ability in Senior Bowl practices.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 10:07am

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Texas Tech head football coach Joey McGuire was not surprised to see his former star linebacker Jacob Rodriguez dominate at the 2026 Senior Bowl. Rodriguez, the 2025 Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner who finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting, has been making plays all over the field in his first two days of Senior Bowl practice, forcing a fumble and hauling in a diving interception.

Why it matters

Rodriguez's strong performance at the Senior Bowl is an important step in his journey to the NFL. As a smaller linebacker at 6-foot-1 and 230 pounds, he'll need to prove to scouts that his game can translate to the professional level despite concerns about his size.

The details

In his final two seasons at Texas Tech, Rodriguez compiled 255 tackles, six sacks, 10 forced fumbles, five interceptions and 10 pass breakups for the Red Raiders. He was easily the best linebacker in the country in 2025, sweeping the defensive awards at the end of the season. After watching his Senior Bowl practices, scouts are now more convinced his game will translate to the next level.

  • Rodriguez began his college football career as a quarterback and utility offensive player, switching to linebacker upon transferring to Texas Tech in 2022.
  • The 2025 season was just Rodriguez's fourth as a linebacker.

The players

Joey McGuire

The head football coach at Texas Tech University.

Jacob Rodriguez

A linebacker for Texas Tech University who won the 2025 Bronko Nagurski Trophy and finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting.

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What they’re saying

“That's what he does, take the ball away. Just instincts and elite football IQ, man.”

— Joey McGuire, Head Football Coach, Texas Tech University

What’s next

Scouts will continue to evaluate Rodriguez's performance and potential at the NFL level throughout the rest of the Senior Bowl practices and upcoming NFL Combine.

The takeaway

Rodriguez's dominant showing at the Senior Bowl has scouts more convinced that his playmaking ability will translate to the NFL, despite concerns about his size. His journey from quarterback to star linebacker highlights his versatility and football IQ, which could make him an intriguing prospect for teams looking to add a difference-maker at the position.