Robert Griffin III, the 2011 Heisman Trophy winner and former Baylor star, is making waves this week with an unfiltered take on the current Heisman race.
During ESPN’s Big Noon Kickoff, Griffin asserted that Jacob Rodriguez, the Texas Tech linebacker, is deserving of top honors — a declaration he delivered without reservation.
RGIII Delivers Bold Jacob Rodriguez Heisman Take
On Saturday, Griffin shared his perspective on X regarding Rodriguez and the Heisman Trophy race.
“If Jacob Rodriguez isn’t #1 on your Heisman list, then it’s wrong,” he tweeted. “He has the numbers. He has the story. He leads the best defense in the country. He is the best player in the country.”
If Jacob Rodriguez isn’t #1 on your Heisman list, then it’s wrong.
He has the numbers.
He has the story.
He leads the best defense in the country.
He is the best player in the country.— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) November 22, 2025
During the Big Noon Kickoff segment, when discussing the two main candidates, Ohio State’s Julian Sayin and Alabama’s Fernando Mendoza, Griffin threw a curveball:
“Don’t give me either of them. Give me the mustache-wearing, cowboy-hat-wearing, Army Black Hawk–wife-having Jacob Rodriguez.”
The statement highlighted both Rodriguez’s dominant play and his larger-than-life personality, earning immediate attention on social media.
Stats That Back the Hype
Rodriguez has put together a season worthy of serious Heisman consideration. According to PFSN, he ranks as the second-highest graded linebacker with an impact score of 84.6. His statistical resume is staggering:
- Total tackles: 99 (9th nationally)
- Solo tackles: 55 (6th nationally)
- Tackles for loss: 8 (5th nationally)
- Forced fumbles: 7
- Interceptions: 4
- Fumble recoveries: 2
- Pass deflections: 6
Rodriguez has also led the Texas Tech defense to a PFSN defensive impact grade of 94.1, ranking third nationally, which has helped the Red Raiders secure a top-five CFP playoff seed and put them on the brink of a Big 12 championship game appearance.
It’s not just the numbers, it’s the impact. Rodriguez anchors a defense that ranks No. 8 in total defense, No. 1 in rush defense, No. 10 in team sacks, and No. 4 in turnover margin.
He is a physical, dominant presence and a leader who sets the tone for a team that can win games with defense. As RGIII pointed out, Rodriguez isn’t just stopping offenses; he’s scoring touchdowns too, adding a rushing touchdown and a defensive touchdown to his resume.
With stats rivaling historic finalists like Manti Te’o and the narrative of a defensive superstar leading a top-tier program, Rodriguez checks all the boxes: individual production, team success, personality, and story. And of course, the mustache, charisma, and unmistakable leadership that Griffin loves to highlight.