Texas Tech football linebacker Jacob Rodriguez wins the Bednarik Award that goes to the defensive player of the year in college football.

The Texas Tech linebacker took home the Chuck Bednarik Award, honoring the nation’s top defensive player, two days after winning the Lombardi Award and four days after being honored with the Bronco Nagurski Trophy. He also claimed the Dick Butkus Award a week prior. He is the first Red Raider to claim any of the four awards.

Texas Tech lands a coveted four-star recruit days before the College Football Playoff, strengthening a rising 2026 class.

The Texas Tech Lady Raiders face the Abilene Christian Wildcats at OC Sports Center in Odessa, Texas. The teams match up Sunday for the first time this season.

With early signing day in the rearview mirror, recruiters will now look to build up their 2026 rosters through the transfer portal. That method of roster additions proved crucial for Texas Tech, which won a Big 12 title and made the College Football Playoff after a transfer portal haul a year ago.

So, who are the best transfers in the playoff field? Let's run through them, starting with a potential Heisman winner: Former School: Cal The catalyst of the first No. 1 Indiana team in history, Mendoza's thrust himself into the conversation for the Heisman and to be the first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

A kicker for Texas Tech is set to hit the transfer portal in January amid the team's run in the College Football Playoff.

The holiday season is now in full swing, and the wishes keep coming for Texas Tech fans. In college athletics, respect and recognition for accomplishments don't