The official designation for the Lombardi award is to award college football’s top linemen (offensive or defensive). In Layman’s terms, the award goes to the most dominant big man in the spot. The last four winners include Kelvin Banks Jr., Laiatu Latu, Will Anderson Jr., and Aidan Hutchinson. On Tuesday, the four Lombardi finalists for the 2025 award were officially announced. It isn’t shocking that the performances of David Bailey and Jacob Rodriguez warranted a nomination. What is shocking to consider is that Joey McGuire has elevated the Texas Tech talent level to new program heights. The Red Raiders have two players as finalists for an award that the program has never had a finalist for in its 51-year history of the Lombardi.
Game-Wrecking Pash Rusher
When Stanford made the decision to fire Troy Taylor in March, Bailey suddenly was able to transfer. Every program wanted his talents on its roster. He was already projected as a first-round NFL talent from his season at Stanford. But the Red Raiders were able to secure Bailey’s services. His addition, with a few other transfers, has given Texas Tech the best defensive line in the Big 12. Bailey is the engine powering one of the best defenses in all of college football. His official bio from the Lombardi Award website is listed below:
David Bailey is one of the most dominant defensive forces in college football this season, leading the FBS with 12.5 sacks and ranking among the national leaders with 16 tackles for loss. He has posted at least one sack in nine of 11 games, combining for 10.0 sacks during Big 12 play, and leads the nation with 71 total pressures, earning multiple National Defensive Player of the Week honors. A high-impact transfer from Stanford and projected NFL first-round pick, Bailey has climbed to fourth on Texas Tech’s single-season sacks list and ranks tied for third among active FBS players for career sacks. A preseason All-Big 12 selection and semifinalist for several national awards, he has delivered elite, game-changing production for the Red Raiders.
Ball Hawking Linebacker
Rodriquez has been with the Red Raiders for so long, its hard to remember he started his college career at Virginia. But of all of the Lombardi finalists, his career has seen the biggest change from start to finish. He did not start playing linebacker until arriving at Texas Tech. He was listed as a quarterback on the Virginia roster But his transformation on the defensive side of the ball has made him the heartbeat of the Texas Tech defense. Watching Rodriguez play, it’s clear that his time as a quarterback allows him to react to the offense in a different manner than most linebackers. To see all of his on-field accomplishments, his Lombardi nomination bio is listed below:
Jacob Rodriguez is the nation’s top inside linebacker, leading all FBS defenders with seven forced fumbles while anchoring one of the country’s most dominant defenses. A former high school quarterback, he brings that same field vision to the Red Raiders’ defense, excelling both against the run and in coverage. The Big 12 Preseason Defensive Player of the Year and an All-American candidate, Rodriguez has had his hand in 19 career takeaways, including nine in Big 12 play this season. He ranks second among active FBS players with 13 career forced fumbles and is one of only two players since 2005, alongside Khalil Mack, to record at least five forced fumbles, three interceptions, and two fumble recoveries in a single season
What Having Lombardi Finalists Means For Texas Tech
Before McGuire’s arrival, Texas Tech’s last 25 years had rightfully earned a program reputation revolving around offense. This offense was a far cry from three yards and a cloud of dust. It was to chuck the ball from sideline to sideline. Spread defenses out and play in space. It was a way to level the playing field for a lack of being able to compete with teams consistently in the trenches. Meanwhile, the expectations for the defense were to just get 11 warm bodies on the field. Anything resembling a stop or a turnover was seen as a bonus.
From a national perspective, Texas Tech hasn’t been relevant in 17 years. However, it started with McGuire’s vision. He believed that the logo on the helmet shouldn’t be a limiting factor to what this program could be. It’s clear he got the athletic director and boosters on board quickly with this. Sprinkle in the opening up of the NIL world in college football, and this team has transformed seemingly overnight. This recognition of Bailey and Rodriguez is mounting evidence that Texas Tech is building for sustainability. Bailey’s season is serving as the “hired hand” for one season to elevate the talent and depth. Rodriguez is the stability block that has developed into an All-American caliber player. It’s the blending of those types of roster building that proves the Red Raiders are the clubhouse leaders as the new flagship program of the Big 12.
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