CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Texas Tech senior linebacker Jacob Rodriguez has won the Bronko Nagurski Award given annually to the nation’s top college defensive player. The 6-foot-1, 230-pound Rodriguez received the award at a banquet Monday night at the Charlotte Convention Center.

Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez was named the winner of the Lombardi Award, handed out Wednesday night by the Rotary Club of Houston.

Texas quarterback Arch Manning will return to school and play for the Longhorns in 2026, ending months of speculation about whether he would declare for the 2026 NFL draft following his first season as a starter.

The college football season is nearing its conclusion, and as many teams are preparing to lose players to the 2026 NFL Draft in April the Texas Longhorns have learned the fate of star quarterback Arch Manning.