Despite a week off for the Texas Tech football team, standout linebacker Jacob Rodriguez remained in the spotlight, showcasing his talents on national television. On Saturday, November 22, he made an appearance on FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff and later participated in an interview with TNT’s studio analysts, which included former NFL stars Takeo Spikes, Champ Bailey, and Victor Cruz. This ongoing visibility is part of the Heisman hype surrounding Rodriguez, as Texas Tech aims to see him among the prestigious finalists in New York.
However, the road to the Heisman Trophy is looking increasingly steep for Rodriguez. Recent updates from sportsbooks indicate that while his position among potential candidates is improving, his chances of winning are diminishing. Currently, he ranks as the seventh favorite on platforms like Fan Duel, Bet MGM, and Odds Shark, sharing this spot with Ohio State’s wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Just a week ago, he was widely considered the ninth choice, but now his odds have lengthened, rising from +10,000 to +15,000 at Fan Duel and from +12,000 to +20,000 at Draft Kings, among other shifts across various betting sites.
At BetOnline.ag, Rodriguez’s odds were absent this week, but they have been set at 125-1, as confirmed by Stuff Media Group President Jimmy Shapiro following an inquiry. The front-runners in the Heisman odds include Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, with Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia and Texas A&M’s Marcel Reed following closely behind. Notably, national polling from On3 showed Rodriguez at 12th among Heisman candidates.
Despite the challenges in the Heisman race, Rodriguez remains a key player in the Big 12, currently ranking third in tackles with a total of 100 and sharing the lead in interceptions with four. He also leads the FBS with seven forced fumbles. His remarkable performance this season has earned him recognition as a finalist for several prestigious awards, including the Lott IMPACT Trophy, the Butkus Award for the nation’s top linebacker, and the Bednarik Award for the top defensive player. Moreover, he and teammate David Bailey were both recognized as finalists for the Lombardi Award, which honors the best linemen and linebackers in the nation.
Rodriguez’s exceptional skills and consistent performance not only keep him in the conversation for national recognition but also highlight the depth of talent within the Texas Tech football program. As the season progresses, fans remain hopeful about his future accolades.