Jacob Rodriguez’s unlikely journey from Virginia to Texas Tech has become a notable story in college football. The senior linebacker, currently with the No. 5-ranked Texas Tech Red Raiders, has played a pivotal role in anchoring one of the nation’s top defenses.
Early Career at Virginia
Rodriguez began his college football career at the University of Virginia during the 2021 season. He made an immediate impact but faced a major transition when head coach Bronco Mendenhall stepped down. This prompted him to enter the transfer portal.
Transition to Texas Tech
Rodriguez made the move to Texas Tech ahead of the 2022 season. Initially, he found it challenging to secure a scholarship spot. As he explained, he stayed with his brother while trying to earn his place on the team. “It was so late. I didn’t have a place to stay,” he recalled. “I slept on the ground next to his bed for a semester and earned that scholarship spot later on.”
Impressive Season Performance
Since his transfer, Rodriguez has showcased remarkable skills on the field. In his current season, he has achieved:
- 100 combined tackles
- 7 forced fumbles
- 2 fumble recoveries
- 4 interceptions
- 6 passes defended
- 1 sack
Leading the Big 12 in both forced fumbles and interceptions, Rodriguez has also been a dominant force in solo tackles for the past two seasons. In 2024, he recorded 127 combined tackles and 5 sacks.
Team Success and Future Prospects
The Texas Tech Red Raiders have enjoyed a successful season, boasting a record of 10-1 overall and 7-1 in Big 12 play. They currently sit in first place in the conference. Their notable victories include:
- Utah: 34-10
- Houston: 35-11
- BYU: 29-7
Looking ahead, Rodriguez and the Red Raiders have a bye in Week 13, followed by a crucial road game against West Virginia to conclude the regular season. His strong performance has sparked Heisman Trophy hopes, adding to the excitement surrounding his journey from Virginia to Texas Tech.
