Texas Tech University Athletics
Bailey, Rodriguez collect Pony Express Award
December 09, 2025 | Football
Texas Tech duo was recognized for being the best teammate tandem in college football, regardless of position
LUBBOCK, Texas – Texas Tech senior outside linebacker David Bailey and senior linebacker Jacob Rodriguez were recognized Tuesday with the Pony Express Award, which honors college football's most-outstanding teammate duo, regardless of position.
The award, named in honor of former SMU running backs Eric Dickerson and Craig James, is back in its second year, highlighting the nation's top tandems such as Bailey and Rodriguez, who have helped build one of the nation's top defenses this season for the Red Raiders. Bailey and Rodriguez were named the winners of this season's Pony Express Award over fellow talented duos in Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, Georgia linebackers CJ Allen and Raylen Wilson and Notre Dame running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price.
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"Jacob Rodriguez and David Bailey played with relentless energy and absolute trust in each other," said Dickerson, who joined with James to form one of college football's all-time great rushing duos from 1979-82. "They embody the team-first mindset that defines this award."
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Bailey has lived up to his reputation as one of the nation's top pass rushers since arriving at Texas Tech this past offseason, ranking among the FBS leaders with 13.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss. Bailey leads all power conference players in sacks, ranking second overall in the category, while his 17.5 tackles for loss are third in the FBS.
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Pro Football Focus credits Bailey with 74 total pressures this season, which easily leads all of college football. The publication has awarded him a 93.0 overall defensive grade, which is tied for second nationally among all positions behind only his teammate in Rodriguez. This is easily the most-productive season of Bailey's career, pushing the Red Raiders to a 12-1 record and their first Big 12 title after a 34-7 victory this past Saturday over BYU.
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This is the third national award for Rodriguez in the past week, meanwhile, as he previously was named the winner of the Butkus Award, presented to the nation's top linebacker, and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, which celebrates the nation's premier defensive player. He and Bailey are also two of four finalists for the Lombardi Award, which will be announced in Houston on Wednesday night.
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Entering bowl season, Rodriguez leads the FBS with seven forced fumbles and ranks among the top 15 nationally with 117 tackles. He is also the first FBS player since 2005 to record at least five forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and four interceptions in the same season. His impact anchored a Texas Tech defense that leads the nation with 31 takeaways and ranks third nationally in scoring defense at 10.9 points per game. Rodriguez was responsible for nine takeaways himself — all in Big 12 play.
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"These two leaders showed how much impact a committed partnership can have," James said. "They performed at a high level, inspiring everyone around them."
The Pony Express Award is determined by a vote of current college football players, making it one of the most unique recognitions in the sport. The award was previously presented to Colorado teammates Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter following the 2024 season.
