Jacob Rodriguez Heisman Candidacy Gains Steam

There have been plenty of defensive Heisman finalists. From Chase Young (Ohio State) and Ndamukong Suh (Nebraska) finishing fourth in 2019 and 2009, respectively, to Manti Te’o (Notre Dame) finishing in second behind Johnny Manziel (Texas A&M) in 2012, the past two decades have had a few notable exclusively defensive players get close. For this to happen, though, you need to have a truly special season. Being a media favorite helps, too.

Stellar Play, Stellar Leadership

Where does that leave Rodriguez, then? Why is he being talked about as a potential Heisman frontrunner, even against steep odds? Does he deserve it?

In short, yes, he absolutely does. First, a look at Rodriguez’s stats. Rodriguez is an all-around great defender, with skills in pass coverage, run stopping, the pass rush and in overall defensive alignment and intelligence. This shows through the numbers he has put up this season.

Rodriguez has notched an astounding 100 combined tackles (55 solo, 45 assisted), 9.5 tackles for loss, one sack, four interceptions, six pass deflections, a staggering seven forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one defensive touchdown in 2025. He is the centerpiece of an incredibly talented defense that ranks No. 8 in total defense, No. 1 in rush defense, No. 10 in team sacks and No. 4 in turnover margin. A stingy, physical defense with a stingy, physical leader.

The defensive efforts headed by Rodriguez have been rewarded, too. The Red Raiders currently stand atop the Big 12 Conference standings and are 10-1. Part of putting together a Heisman campaign is your team’s success, and so far, Rodriguez has led his team to conference dominance. He has the Red Raiders sitting pretty for College Football Playoff contention and with that, has heard high praise from coaches, players, fans and media alike.

“Everybody’s talking about quarterbacks for Heisman, so we put him at quarterback today,” Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire said after putting Rodriguez at wildcat quarterback for a play against the UCF Knights (4-6, 1-6). A quote that seemingly takes a dig at Heisman voting being keen to quarterbacks, Rodriguez can do it all and his coach is out to help him prove it.

A Hard-Hitting Media Darling

Another part of being “Heisman-worthy,” on top of elite all-around play, is being an elite, all-around media player too. A great story, a great brand and an enticing image matter. Rodriguez just so happens to have that too.

Rodriguez sports a trademark mustache, something that already makes him stick out even if he were an average Joe. Texas Tech students have embraced it with open arms, so much so that they have started the Jacob Rodriguez Mustache Collective. His inspiring play has brought his mustache national attention, being widely regarded as one of the best facial features in sports.

His mustache is not the only media-worthy item to note, though. Another great story is his marriage to his wife, Emma. The Rodriguezes met in high school, but that isn’t what makes their relationship special. Emma is an Army West Point graduate and current Army helicopter pilot. Stationed at Fort Riley, Kan., Emma still makes it a mission to attend any of Jacob’s games. High school sweethearts who have turned into America’s sweethearts, you can watch more on their relationship here from ESPN’s College GameDay.

Finally, simply being good at what he does is what has caught the attention of the media. As stated above, his stats prove that he is an all-around elite player and leader. His ability to play at a high level while also managing a great, wholesome brand has Heisman voters taking notice, but does that mean the award is his to lose?

Other Suitors, More Work to Do

The Heisman vote is certainly friendlier to offensive players. History proves this without a doubt and there are plenty of offensive players this year that have managed an elite season while also building an elite brand for themselves as well. No. 2 Indiana Hoosiers (11-0, 8-0) quarterback Fernando Mendoza has the Hoosiers building on last year’s success, solidifying the Hoosiers’ place among college football’s current elite. No. 4 Georgia Bulldogs (9-1, 7-1) quarterback Gunnar Stockton has seemingly come out of nowhere and has led the Bulldogs back into the limelight. Jeremiyah Love has been a stalwart running back for the No. 9 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (8-2), who has thrived despite his social and emotional struggles in childhood.

The competition is tight and Rodriguez has a lot of work to do. Defensive players already have a handicap in the voting process; he will need to continue to play at his best and rack up stats. He will also need to continue to uphold his brand and his leadership, all of which are yeoman’s tasks to balance.

If he can continue to impress, though, all while being a great feel-good story and willing his team to continue winning, things look promising. Should the Red Raiders win the Big 12 title and make the College Football Playoff, Rodriguez at least deserves a spot at the ceremony in New York. His story and his play are simply too big to ignore.

Football is a team game. Therefore, those who give the most to their teams should get the most recognition. Rodriguez has been the best Texas Tech football player since a certain elite NFL quarterback (who also married his high school sweetheart) donned the red and black. A program historically known for its high-flying offenses, he has turned that narrative on its head. He is an “absolute machine,” to quote McGuire once again, as well as a dignified leader and a brand-name, military-married mustachioed man. Truly, what isn’t to love about the man they call “J-Rod?”