Joey McGuire Makes Bold Heisman Case for Jacob Rodriguez
It’s not every day that a linebacker gets mentioned in the Heisman Trophy conversation, but Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire is trying to change that. As the college football season enters its most crucial stretch, McGuire is campaigning for his defensive star, Jacob Rodriguez, to earn some serious attention in the Heisman race — and honestly, he’s got a point.
McGuire admitted that when he looked at the Heisman race lately, there wasn’t really a clear front-runner. The usual offensive names — quarterbacks like Ty Simpson at Alabama, Fernando Mendoza at Indiana, or Julian Sayin at Ohio State — have been in the mix, but none have pulled away as the obvious favorite. That’s when McGuire decided to speak up. “It’s been a long time since we’ve looked at a defensive player as a possible guy,” he said. “When you talk about what someone means to their team, we’re just a different football team when Jacob’s on the field.”
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And it’s hard to argue with that. Rodriguez has been nothing short of sensational this season. into the Kansas State matchup, he ranked third in the Big 12 with 72 tackles, led the league with five forced fumbles, and added two interceptions, four pass breakups, and even a fumble return for a touchdown against Oklahoma State. Pro Football Focus gave him a defensive grade of 92.7 — second highest in the entire country and the top mark among inside linebackers. That’s elite territory.
But it’s not just the stats that stand out — it’s the energy and leadership Rodriguez brings to the field. His teammate, safety Cole Wisniewski, joked that Rodriguez keeps “stealing” tackles that he’d love to make himself, but he couldn’t be happier about it. “He plays super fast, with great instincts,” Wisniewski said. “I get front-row seats to some of the best tackling in the country.”
Rodriguez’s defensive coordinator, Shiel Wood, also praised his preparation and consistency, calling him “a great leader” who elevates everyone around him. And that leadership has shown. Week after week, Rodriguez has been the heartbeat of the Red Raiders’ defense — forcing turnovers, reading plays before they develop, and delivering game-changing moments.
In fact, his “Heisman moment” might already have happened. Against Oklahoma State, Rodriguez ripped the ball straight out of a running back’s hands and took it all the way for a touchdown — a perfect example of his instincts and impact. Plays like that don’t just change games; they define seasons.
Whether or not Rodriguez actually cracks the Heisman conversation remains to be seen. Defensive players rarely do — and none have won since Charles Woodson back in 1997. But McGuire’s message is clear: Jacob Rodriguez isn’t just a great linebacker — he’s one of the best players in college football, period. And if the Heisman truly honors the most valuable player in the nation, then maybe it’s time the voters looked a little further downfield — toward number 13 in red and black.
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