Willie Rodriguez Named to Hispanic Player of the Year Watch List

Kentucky tight end Willie Rodriguez has been named to the Hispanic College Football Player of the Year watch list, it was announced Tuesday.

Rodriguez, a native of Taylor Mill, Kentucky, is of Cuban descent. Rodriguez, a 6-foot-4, 249-pound tight end returns as an important piece of the Wildcats’ offensive attack. He started in seven of 12 games played last season, making 23 catches for 310 yards and one touchdown. He had two receptions for 28 yards and the first touchdown of his collegiate career against Eastern Michigan and a career-high six receptions for a career-best 78 yards at Vanderbilt. His six receptions were the most for a tight end for a UK player since C.J. Conrad caught six at Mississippi State in 2015.

The award is given to the nation’s top college football player with Hispanic heritage. It is given by the Hispanic Football Hall of Fame. The Hispanic Football Hall of Fame is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Hispanic contributions to the game of football. As the premier resource for Hispanic football history, the Hall honors the sport’s greatest Hispanic legends while also investing in future generations. In addition to celebrating excellence on the field, the organization will award college scholarships to Hispanic students, host youth football clinics, and promote Hispanic culture across the U.S. and internationally. NFL legends Ron Rivera and Anthony Muñoz are the founding board members.

Kentucky opens the 2026 season against Youngstown State on Sept. 5 at 1 p.m. ET in Kroger Field. The game will air live on SEC Network+.