Rodriguez adds to hardware case, wins Nagurski Trophy Monday
In a sharp black tuxedo and matching cowboy hat akin to a uniform he’s donned many times, Texas Tech star linebacker Jacob Rodriguez won the 2025 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Monday evening at the award’s annual banquet. The award is given yearly to the nation’s best defensive player.
Texas Tech’s starboy brings home third major award
Rodriguez won the award over the likes of Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell, Notre Dame’s Leonard Moore and Ohio State’s Caleb Downs. He was the lone linebacker nominated for the honor.
Rodriguez is the first recipient of the award to hail from the Big 12 since Ndamukong Suh took it home for Nebraska in 2009.
Named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year after the conclusion of the regular season, Rodriguez added the Nagurski Trophy to go alongside the Butkus Award he took home this past Friday. Texas Tech surprised Rodriguez with the Butkus the night before he helped the Red Raiders win their first Big 12 title.
More awards to come for Rodriguez?
With three awards in his case already this season, Rodriguez remains in contention for several others. The fifth-year linebacker is up for the Lombardi Award, which will be given out Wednesday at a ceremony in Houston. The Lombardi Award is given to the best college lineman or linebacker. Rodriguez is nominated for that award alongside his edge rushing teammate David Bailey.
Also up for the Lombardi are Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor and the aforementioned Aggie, Howell. Rodriguez finds himself competing for the Chuck Bednarik Award, given to the nation’s best defender. If he were to win, Rodriguez would be the Big 12’s second-straight winner. Travis Hunter took home the award last season.
Unfortunately for Rodriguez, he will not be traveling to New York as a Heisman finalist, unveiled Monday. However, he does still have a shot at the Walter Camp Player of the Year.
Texas Tech and Rodriguez are back in action New Year’s Day in Miami at the Capital One Orange Bowl.
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