Star Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez took a snap at quarterback for a special reason on Saturday. Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire believes his star linebacker, Jacob Rodriguez, should win the Heisman Trophy this year. The only problem? Rodriguez plays defense.

Texas Tech has not won an outright conference title game since 1955, yet head coach Joey McGuire left a spot open in the Red Raiders’ Womble Football Center during construction for the conference trophy. He will face either BYU, Cincinnati, Utah or Arizona State for the trophy on Dec. 6 if the Red Raiders win out.

Jacob Rodriguez wore his cowboy hat for senior day to show his appreciation to Texas Tech football fans, then rewarded them with more Heisman moments.

Expert recap and game analysis of the Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. UCF Knights NCAAF game from November 15, 2025 on ESPN.

A victory Saturday would keep the Red Raiders positioned to potentially host a first-round CFP game, an opportunity available to teams ranked fifth through eighth in the final rankings released Dec. 7.

Rodriguez’s score followed a big day against BYU, during which Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes endorsed his Heisman candidacy. He leads the nation in forced fumbles with seven, and his 13 career forced fumbles are tied for sixth in College Football Reference’s database.

Disrespected after getting thrashed by No. 6 Texas Tech last week, No. 12 BYU responded with an impressive dismantling of TCU on Saturday night in Provo

The Texas Tech Red Raiders are hosting the UCF Knights in a Week 12 college football game. Follow live updates.

The Knights surrendered 38 points in the first half and struggled to contain the Big 12’s best team, suffering their eighth straight road loss.