Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez is putting together one of the best defensive seasons in college football. With elite production, game-changing plays, and a weak offensive Heisman field, why not Rodriguez?

Former Texas Tech star Patrick Mahomes endorsed Red Raiders linebacker Jacob Rodriguez as a Heisman Trophy finalist after his performance against BYU.

Patrick Mahomes demands Heisman attention for Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez after his dominant performance fuels the Red Raiders.

A player from the state of Texas hasn’t won the Heisman Trophy since Baylor’s Robert Griffin III (2011) and Texas A&M’s Johnny Manziel (2012) went back-to-back more than a decade ago. They’re the only two players from an in-state school that’s won the award this century. TCU quarterback Max Duggan, in 2022, is the state’s most recent finalist.

Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez indicated he was somewhat coerced by teammates into striking a Heisman Trophy pose in another dominating defensive performance by the ninth-ranked Red Raiders.

Fernando Mendoza found Omar Cooper Jr. for one of the greatest and most clutch touchdown catches you'll ever see to lead No. 2 Indiana to a 27-24 road victory over upset-minded Penn State.

As has been the case for a couple weeks, the candidates at the top of the Heisman Trophy race have begun to solidify themselves as invitees to New York City for the trophy ceremony. Which of the four quarterbacks it will be remains to be seen.