The Texas Tech Red Raiders didn’t just show up this season - they stormed the gates. From the regular season grind to their run to the Big 12 Championship Game and a spot in the College Football Playoff, Tech proved they weren’t just a good team - they were a complete one. And now, with five Red Raiders heading to the 2026 Senior Bowl, the rest of the country is getting a closer look at just how loaded this roster really was.
Let’s break down the five Texas Tech standouts who’ll be showcasing their talents in Mobile, each with a real shot to boost their NFL Draft stock.
Jacob Rodriguez: The Red Raiders’ Defensive Dynamo
If you followed Texas Tech this season, you already know Jacob Rodriguez wasn’t just the heart of the defense - he was the engine, the spark, and the closer. A Heisman finalist and the winner of the Bednarik, Butkus, Lombardi, and Nagurski awards, Rodriguez was everywhere. And we mean everywhere.
He racked up 128 tackles, forced seven fumbles, picked off four passes, and even found the end zone with a couple of rushing touchdowns. That’s not just versatility - that’s dominance.
Whether he was blowing up plays in the backfield or dropping into coverage like a seasoned safety, Rodriguez made it look easy. He’s the kind of linebacker who makes NFL scouts sit up and take notes - and Mobile will be his next stage to shine.
Lee Hunter: A Homecoming with Purpose
For Lee Hunter, the Senior Bowl is more than a showcase - it’s a return home. The Alabama native will get to put his skills on display in familiar territory, and he’s earned every bit of this opportunity.
Hunter’s journey took him from Auburn to UCF before he landed in Lubbock, where he became a key piece of Texas Tech’s defensive front. This season, he posted 41 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and a forced fumble.
His ability to disrupt the interior and collapse pockets made life miserable for opposing quarterbacks and running backs alike. Now, he’ll get to show NFL teams that he can bring that same power and presence to the next level.
Reggie Virgil: Explosiveness on Display
Reggie Virgil brought fireworks to Texas Tech’s offense this year. After transferring in from the MAC, he quickly became a go-to weapon in the Red Raiders’ passing game - and a nightmare for defensive backs.
Virgil led the team with 57 receptions, turning those into 705 yards and six touchdowns. But he wasn’t just a threat through the air - he added two rushing scores on just two carries, flashing the kind of speed and playmaking ability that can change a game in an instant. Virgil’s knack for getting open and turning short gains into big plays will be on full display in Mobile, where his route-running and burst could separate him from the pack.
Romello Height: A Relentless Edge Threat
Romello Height’s path to Texas Tech wasn’t linear, but it led him to a breakout season when it mattered most. After stints with Auburn, USC, and Georgia Tech, Height found a home in Lubbock - and opposing quarterbacks found a problem.
Height tallied 38 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks this season, anchoring the Red Raiders’ pass rush with a relentless motor and elite burst off the edge. He was a constant presence in the backfield, whether he was bending around tackles or bull-rushing through them. The Senior Bowl will give him a chance to show that his production wasn’t just a product of scheme - it was a reflection of NFL-level talent.
Caleb Douglas: A Transfer That Paid Off
Caleb Douglas made the move from Florida to Texas Tech, and it turned out to be a career-defining decision. The wideout didn’t just contribute - he led the team in both receiving yards (846) and touchdowns (7), becoming a consistent deep threat and a reliable target in clutch moments.
Douglas brought size, athleticism, and a refined skill set to the Red Raiders’ offense. Whether he was stretching the field or working the sidelines, he gave defenses fits all season long. His ability to win contested catches and create separation downfield will be under the microscope in Mobile - and if he performs the way he did all year, he’ll leave scouts impressed.
Final Word
Texas Tech’s presence at the Senior Bowl isn’t just a testament to individual talent - it’s a reflection of a program that developed and maximized its roster from top to bottom. These five players helped power the Red Raiders to one of their best seasons in recent memory, and now they’re heading to Mobile with a chance to prove they belong at the next level.
For fans of the Red Raiders - and NFL teams looking for their next impact player - the Senior Bowl just got a lot more interesting.