Bailey, Rodriguez named to Lombardi watch list

HOUSTON — Texas Tech's David Bailey and Jacob Rodriguez were added to another watch list on Tuesday, as the pair were named to the Lombardi Trophy preseason watch list announced by the Rotary Club of Houston. The award honors the most outstanding college football lineman who displays exceptional performance and ability while embodying the character and discipline that Vince Lombardi championed throughout his life.

This distinguished group is represented by 54 of the nation's premier linemen and linebackers. The Red Raider duo accounts for five of the individuals named out of the Big 12. The SEC boasts 16 players, followed by 12 from the Big Ten and seven from the ACC.

Bailey, an outside linebacker, is a senior transfer from Stanford who has been among the most disruptive edge players in college football with 22.5 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks during his three seasons with the Cardinal. His 7.0 sacks in 2024 were the most by a Stanford player in a single season since Casey Toohill had 8.0 in 2019.

Senior linebacker, Rodriguez, the 2025 Big 12 Preseason Player of the Year, was Texas Tech's team leader in tackles (127) in 2024, marking the most tackles by a Red Raider in a single season since Lawrence Flugence set an NCAA FBS record with 193 stops in 2002. He also chipped in 10.5 tackles for loss, including 5.0 sacks, a year ago.

As the 2025 season unfolds, this dynamic watch list may evolve with the potential to add breakout performers at mid-season. These student-athletes not only compete for the Lombardi Award distinction on the gridiron but also inspire future generations, carrying forward the legacy of a coaching icon through their dedication and perseverance on the gridiron.

Celebrating its 52nd anniversary, the Lombardi Award has been presented in Houston, Texas, since its establishment in 1970. The 2025 award dinner is scheduled for Dec. 10, 2025, with net proceeds from gala sponsorship and table sales dedicated to supporting cancer research.

Lombardi Candidate Eligibility & Voting Criteria:
To be considered for the Lombardi Award, players must be a NCAA FBS College Football team member and meet the following qualifications:

Be a down Lineman, end to end, either on offense or defense, setting up no further than 10 yards to the left or right of the ball at the time of the snap.
Be a Linebacker on defense, setting up no further than five yards deep from the line of scrimmage.
Must not come out of the offensive backfield and set up on the line of scrimmage as a Blocker or a Receiver or listed in the program as an Offensive Back or Receiver.
Be eligible to participate in the current season.

ABOUT THE LOMBARDI AWARD
The Lombardi Award was established in 1970, in memory of legendary coach Vince Lombardi. It is presented to outstanding linemen who best epitomize his values of leadership, courage, performance, and discipline on and off the field. Furthermore, the watch list includes players who are consistently showing the values of strength, agility, and football acumen in their respective positions.

– TECH –

Bailey, Rodriguez named to Lombardi watch list

Players Mentioned

David Bailey

Jacob Rodriguez

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