Texas Tech HC Joey McGuire Reveals What Jacob Rodriguez’s Senior Bowl Performance Means for His NFL Future

Is it possible to watch a player with such relentless instincts and not be blown away? Joey McGuire, Texas Tech’s head coach, isn’t just impressed—he’s downright unfazed by Jacob Rodriguez’s standout performance at the 2026 Senior Bowl. Having coached the man for four years, McGuire’s come to expect that kind of domination, that magnetic presence on the field where Rodriguez consistently snatches the ball and rewrites the playbook on defensive brilliance. But here’s the kicker—despite skepticism about Rodriguez’s size, he’s not only defying expectations; he’s rewriting the narrative about what it takes to succeed at the next level. From his quarterback beginnings to linebacker stardom, Rodriguez’s journey is a testament to heart, grit, and that elusive football IQ that scouts are now starting to believe will shine in the pros. Ready to dive into the story of a player and coach duo that’s captivating the gridiron? LEARN MORE.

Texas Tech head football coach Joey McGuire was not surprised to see his former star linebacker dominate at the 2026 Senior Bowl. After coaching Jacob Rodriguez for the last four years, McGuire has come to expect nothing less than seeing him be the best player on the field.

Rodriguez, the 2025 Bronko Nagursky Trophy winner who finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting, has been all over the field in his first two days of Senior Bowl practice. McGuire took a trip to Mobile, Alabama, on Wednesday to watch his players and was not at all surprised to see Rodriguez force a fumble and haul in a diving interception during live sets.

“That’s what he does, take the ball away,” McGuire said, via NFL.com. “Just instincts and elite football IQ, man.”

In his final two seasons at Texas Tech, Rodriguez compiled 255 tackles, six sacks, 10 forced fumbles, five interceptions and 10 pass breakups for the Red Raiders. He was easily the best linebacker in the country in 2025, sweeping the defensive awards at the end of the season.

Although Rodriguez’s athleticism, motor and drive are undeniable, scouts have concerns about his 6-foot-1, 230-pound frame. Size could affect his ability to be the same level of playmaker at the professional level, with similar “small” linebackers failing to pan out in the NFL.

However, after watching his Senior Bowl practices, scouts are now more convinced his game will translate to the next level, according to Lance Zierlein and Eric Edholm of NFL.com.

Rodriguez, who began his college football career as a quarterback and utility offensive player, switched to linebacker upon transferring to Texas Tech, making the 2025 season just his fourth as a linebacker.

The post Texas Tech HC Joey McGuire reacts to Jacob Rodriguez’s dominant Senior Bowl appeared first on ClutchPoints.