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

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?

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.

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

Patrick Mahomes called for Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez to enter the Heisman Trophy conversation following the school's 29-7 win over BYU on Saturday.