Texas Tech University Athletics
Rodriguez named semifinalist for Lott IMPACT Trophy
November 10, 2025 | Football
Texas Tech senior linebacker was recognized with multiple national awards Monday
LUBBOCK, Texas – Texas Tech senior linebacker Jacob Rodriguez was tabbed one of eight semifinalists Monday for the Lott IMPACT Trophy, which is presented annually to the nation's top defensive player.
Rodriguez was the lone Big 12 player to be named a semifinalist as he was joined by Georgia linebacker CJ Allen, Miami defensive end Rueben Bain, Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, Auburn defensive end Keldric Faulk, USC safety Bishop Fitzgerald, Texas A&M defensive end Cashius Howell and Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore.
This is the third national award to select Rodriguez as a semifinalist thus far as he is also a candidate for the Butkus Award (nation's top linebacker) and the Lombardi Award (nation's top defensive player). He is also still a candidate for the Bednarik Award (most outstanding defensive player) and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy (nation's top defensive player).
The Lott Trophy will trim its semifinalists to a group of finalists on Nov. 20 with the winner being presented Dec. 7 at an awards ceremony held at The Pacific Club in Newport Beach, California. The Lott IMPACT Trophy is presented annually to the nation's top defensive player, who also exhibits the characteristics of Ronnie Lott by making an IMPACT on and off the field. IMPACT is an acronym for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.
Rodriguez has been among the most-impactful players in college football this season as he's had his hand in eight takeaways, all during Big 12 play. Rodriguez enters this week as the FBS leader with seven forced fumbles to go along with three interceptions and two fumble recoveries, including one he returned 69 yards for a touchdown against Oklahoma State.
His ability to give the ball back to the Red Raider offense has placed Rodriguez in a select category of players who have impacted the game at the highest level. In fact, Rodriguez is one of two FBS players since 2005 to have at least five forced fumbles, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries all in the same season, joining former Buffalo standout Khalil Mack in 2013. His seven forced fumbles are already ranked tied for seventh since the NCAA began tracking the category beginning with the 2000 season.
Rodriguez added his third interception of the season last weekend in Texas Tech's 29-7 victory over No. 7 BYU. Rodriguez moved back to his right to tip a Bear Bachmeier pass right into his arms, returning the interception near the red zone to set up one of five Stone Harrington field goals to take a 19-0 lead midway through the third quarter. He later fell on a loose ball caused by a Lee Hunter sack to all but seal Texas Tech's ninth win of the season, all that have come by 20 or more points.
Rodriguez matched his season high with 14 tackles in the win as the Red Raiders gave up their fewest points to a top-10 team since defeating No. 8 Texas A&M, 14-7, in 1995. BYU running back LJ Martin entered the game as the Big 12's leading rusher at 98.6 yards per game on the ground but finished with only 35 yards on 10 carries. Texas Tech, the FBS leader in rush defense, limited BYU to only 67 rushing yards, marking the first time the Cougars had been held under 100 yards on the ground this season. Rodriguez now has a team-leading 91 tackles this season, which ranks tied for 14th nationally.
The performance versus BYU earned Rodriguez several honors Monday as he was named the National Defensive Player of the Week by the East-West Shrine Bowl and the Panini Senior Bowl as well as Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week accolades.
Rodriguez will play possibly his final game inside Jones AT&T Stadium on Saturday when the No. 8 Red Raiders host UCF in their home finale. Kickoff is slated for 2:30 p.m. with coverage on FOX and the Texas Tech Sports Network.
