The former Rider Raider from right here in Wichita Falls has a big game at AT&T Stadium on Saturday. Looks like the Big 12 awards came out today and Jacob just made Texas Tech history.

The Big 12 Championship is at AT&T Stadium on Saturday, BYU VS Texas Tech. Before the big game, the Big 12 has announced their end of season awards. You can check out the full list of players here, but Jacob Rodriquez has become the first ever Red Raider to be named Defensive Player of the Year in the Big 12.

Jacob Rodriquez Defensive Player of the Year Big 12

The Big 12 said Jacob is " the first FBS player in 20 years to have five forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and four interceptions in the same season." Jacob played quarterback and free safety when he went to Rider high school in Wichita Falls. He officially became a linebacker when he transferred to Tech as a sophomore. Jacob spoke to USA Today on what it's like playing a position he never experienced in high school.

“Completely different than anything I’d ever known. I would play deep middle field safety in important games in high school, but never true linebacker. I knew nothing about it — and that was a huge advantage.”

His advantage he says is that he has no bad habits from playing this position in years prior since he was brand new to it.

Texas Tech Has Five All Defensive Players in 2025 in the Big 12

The Big 12 also announced who made their All Big 12 Team. Of course Jacob made it for linebacker since he was defensive player of the year. Defensive Back Brice Pollock made it along with three Texas Tech Defensive lineman. That would be David Bailey, Romello Height, and Lee Hunter. We will wait and see how the Red Raiders do in the Big 12 Championship game before they head to the College Football Playoff