Patrick Mahomes backs Jacob Rodriguez's Heisman candidacy

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Texas Tech Pink Raiders linebacker Jacob Rodriguez flashed the Heisman Trophy pose after he made a giant play within the staff’s 29-7 victory over the BYU Cougars on Saturday.

Texas Tech got here into the sport because the No. 8-ranked staff within the nation whereas BYU was No. 7. The Pink Raiders received the increase from Rodriguez within the third quarter.

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Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (10) is seen throughout an NCAA soccer recreation towards Arizona on Oct. 5, 2024, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Picture/Rick Scuteri, File)

Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier dropped again to move solely to search out Rodriguez in protection. The linebacker tipped the ball to himself and made the interception. After he was introduced down, Rodriguez nailed the pose.

Patrick Mahomes, the present Kansas Metropolis Chiefs star and former Texas Tech standout, endorsed Rodriguez.

"Get him to New York," Mahomes wrote on X.

Rodriguez stated after the sport that his teammates coerced him into placing the pose as he put collectively a 14-tackle recreation with an interception and fumble restoration.

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Emma Rodriguez, left, kisses her husband, Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, earlier than the NCAA faculty soccer recreation between Texas Tech and BYU, Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Picture/Annie Rice)

ESPN’s Holly Rowe requested him within the quick aftermath of the win if he thought he was within the Heisman Trophy dialog now.

"I certain hope so," he stated.

Rodriguez has 74 complete tackles, 5 move break-ups, a sack, seven compelled fumbles and two interceptions. Texas Tech is 9-1 this season and are more likely to transfer up the Faculty Soccer Playoff rankings when the brand new spots are revealed on Tuesday night time.

Rodriguez stated he and head coach Joey McGuire have talked in regards to the Heisman "quite a bit" and he appreciates the assist.

"The Heisman is given to the most effective soccer participant. It’s not given to the most effective quarterback; they've awards for that," McGuire stated. "Should you can’t say that Jacob Rodriguez, at his place, is just not enjoying at an elite stage, nearly as good as anyone within the nation … That child deserves to be a part of that."

Texas Tech Pink Raiders defensive again Jacob Rodriguez (10) leaves the sector earlier than the sport towards the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Jones AT&T Stadium on Oct. 25, 2025. (Michael C. Johnson/Imagn Photographs)

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The Heisman Trophy hasn’t been gained by a sole defender since Charles Woodson in 1997. Travis Hunter gained it final yr. He performed cornerback and extensive receiver for Colorado.