A Texas Tech legend is officially headed to the NFL.
In what was a formality given his collegiate eligibility had run out, Jacob Rodriguez officially declared for the 2026 NFL draft on Monday.
“Lastly, Lubbock, Texas Tech and West Texas, thank you!” he wrote in a social media post. “The love and support that’s been shown to my family and me throughout these last four years is something I can never say thank you enough for. I will carry a piece of y’all for the rest of my life.
“Now, with great excitement, I get the opportunity to follow a dream I have had since I was 3 years old by officially entering the 2026 NFL draft.”
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After a breakout 2024 season that included 127 tackles, five sacks, an interception, three forced fumbles and a first-team All-Big 12 selection, Rodriguez decided to return to Lubbock for his last season of eligibility and made the most of it. He established himself as the best linebacker in college football, compiling 128 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, a sack, four interceptions, a nation-leading seven forced fumbles and six pass deflections.
He was well-decorated, too. He won the Butkus, Lombardi, Bednarik and Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year awards to go along with another first-team All-Big 12 selection and an All-American selection.
Rodriguez helped bring the Texas Tech program to new heights, leading the Red Raiders to their first Big 12 title and first College Football Playoff appearance in program history in 2025. He’ll now look to continue his football career at the next level.
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