HOUSTON, TX — Texas Tech linebackers David Bailey and Jacob Rodriguez were named Tuesday to the Lombardi Trophy preseason watch list, the Rotary Club of Houston announced.
The award, presented annually to the nation’s most outstanding college football lineman, recognizes exceptional performance, character and discipline in the spirit of coaching legend Vince Lombardi. This year’s preseason list features 54 of the nation’s top linemen and linebackers, including five from the Big 12. The SEC leads all conferences with 16 selections, followed by the Big Ten with 12 and the ACC with seven.
Bailey, a senior transfer from Stanford, has recorded 22.5 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks in three seasons with the Cardinal. His 7.0 sacks in 2024 were the most by a Stanford player since Casey Toohill had 8.0 in 2019.
Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez
(Credit: texastech.com)
Texas Tech's Newest Outside Linebacker, David Bailey
(Credit: texastech.com)
Rodriguez, the 2025 Big 12 Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, led Texas Tech in tackles last season with 127 — the most by a Red Raider since Lawrence Flugence set an NCAA FBS record with 193 in 2002. He added 10.5 tackles for loss, including 5.0 sacks.
The watch list will be updated midseason to include breakout performers. The 52nd annual Lombardi Award dinner is set for Dec. 10 in Houston, with proceeds benefiting cancer research.
To be eligible, candidates must play on the line of scrimmage or as a linebacker within five yards of it and cannot be listed as an offensive back or receiver. The award was established in 1970 in Lombardi’s memory to honor players who embody his values of leadership, courage, performance and discipline.
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