Predicting End of Season Award Winners: Bednarik, Thorpe, Hendricks

Originally posted on Mike Farrell Sports | By JC Nevils | Last updated Nov 18, 2025 7:00 AM ET

We only have a few weeks left in the regular season for college football, which means award winners are starting to show themselves. Over the next week or so I’ll be predicting a few players each article of whom I think will take home some hardware, with the Heisman Trophy being last. Let’s continue with a few on the defensive side of the ball.

Chuck Bednarik/Bronko Nagurski Award

LB Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech

Jacob Rodriguez has not only been the best linebacker in the country, but he very well might be the best player in the entire nation. He has been everything for a No. 6 Texas Tech (10-1, 7-1 Big 12) team who has College Football Playoff aspirations.

He is stout in the run game as well as making plays throughout the pass game in coverage. On the season he has put up almost 100 tackles along with one sack, seven forced fumbles and four interceptions. He even has a rushing touchdown for good measure.

Jim Thorpe Award

CB Colton Hood, Tennessee

There has been more than a few deserving contenders for the Jim Thorpe award, which is given to the best defensive back, but my
choice would be Colton Hood from No. 23 Tennessee (7-3, 3-3 SEC). From game one he has been a menace all over the field making plays in every way.

He transferred from Colorado not expecting to start, but since the beginning he has done nothing but perform at a lockdown level. On the season he is tied for third in the SEC with seven breakups along with 23 tackles, a pick-six, and fumble recovery for a touchdown.

Ted Hendricks Award

DE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

Texas Tech’s David Bailey leads the nation in sacks, but the best defensive end in the country to me is Cashius Howell. He has been a problem all season for anyone who has tried to block him, whether that be him rushing the passer or getting dirty in the run game.

He is the unquestioned leader for the No. 3 Aggies (10-0, 7-0 SEC) on the defensive side of the ball not only because of his play, but with his passion and leadership as well. So far he has put up 25 tackles, 11.5 sacks, which is good for second in the nation, and one forced fumble.

This article first appeared on Mike Farrell Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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