Texas Tech is coming off possibly its most impressive season in school history. The Red Raiders were the class of the Big 12, losing only once during the regular season and earning their first-ever berth in the College Football Playoffs. A major reason for this success was their elite defense, which allowed just 11.8 points per game and led the nation in rushing defense, giving up only 68 yards per game.
Much of that defensive dominance can be attributed to four NFL Draft prospects now turning heads at All-Star events.
Linebackers leading the charge
Headlining the group is linebacker Jacob Rodriguez, who has impressed during Senior Bowl practices with a fumble recovery and an interception on day two alone. Rodriguez’s standout week comes after a remarkable season in which he excelled at creating turnovers. He led the FBS with seven forced fumbles and recorded four interceptions, the most among linebackers. In addition to his playmaking ability, he was a force against the run, posting 128 tackles for the second consecutive season with over 120. His production earned him the top linebacker ranking from PFF and the Chuck Bednarik Award. With a strong week in Mobile, Rodriguez is on track to be a day-two draft pick.
TTU LB Jacob Rodriguez… all he does is take the ball away! pic.twitter.com/MR34AzgERY
— Todd McShay (@McShay13) January 28, 2026
Another linebacker making waves at the Senior Bowl is Romello Height. He demonstrated impressive pass-rushing ability in team and one-on-one drills, building on a career-best season with ten sacks after totaling only 6.5 sacks in his first three college seasons. Height’s skill set fits naturally in a 3-4 defense, making him an intriguing option for teams like the Los Angeles Chargers, who will likely look to add youth to pair with veterans Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu.
Defensive tackle Lee Hunter also stood out in Mobile. He consistently overpowered blockers, displaying explosive strength that disrupted running lanes, a key factor in Texas Tech leading the nation in rushing defense. Hunter’s ability to collapse the line made him a dominant presence all season.
Finally, safety Cole Wisniewski impressed at the East-West Shrine Bowl. At 6-foot-3 and 213 pounds, he combines size, coverage ability, and physicality in run support. Wisniewski intercepted eight passes during the 2023 season, tying an FCS record and showcasing his ball skills. His performance at the Shrine Bowl indicates he has the potential to be a high Day 3 pick.
Texas Tech defenders have turned heads this past week, and their strong showings at All-Star events suggest these four prospects could go much higher in the 2026 NFL Draft than initially projected.