In some ways, life in the NFL didn't start out normally for former superstar Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez. After helping lead the Red Raiders to a 12-2 record in 2025, the Wichita Falls native is accustomed to winning. However, his Miami Dolphins dropped their first game of the 2026 season to the Las Vegas Raiders 27-13.
From an individual perspective, though, Rodriguez picked up right where he left off in college. He was all over the field for his team, racking up a game-high 14 tackles, including five solo.
What's more, Rodriguez was tasked with making all the defensive calls for the Dolphins as the team's green-dot defensive player. As if that wasn't enough, he also served as Miami's emergency deep snapper for the game.
People around the NFL took notice of Rodriguez's performance. Many national NFL experts went on X to share how impressed they were with his first regular-season showing.
#FFIDP Like Calvin "Nuke" Laloosh, Jacob Rodriguez announces his presence with authority.
— Mike Woellert (@Mike_Woellert) September 14, 2026
This tackle on Ashton Jeanty. pic.twitter.com/XyC2YPXuXJ
Jacob Rodriguez was EVERYWHERE in his NFL debut
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) September 14, 2026
He posted 17 total tackles, 5 stop tackles, and allowed just 7 yards in coverage on 3 targets: pic.twitter.com/cBOXaZGkr7
Thirty years ago, another rookie Dolphins linebacker announced himself immediately. Zach Thomas opened his NFL career with nine tackles, a sack and a forced fumble. Jacob Rodriguez just opened his with one of the highest-graded rookie performances in football. Different eras,… pic.twitter.com/aFDhkY68Zn
— Devin Lewis | DolphinsBreakdown (@DevinLewisNFL) September 14, 2026
In addition to leading the NFL in "stops" in Week 1 with 10 (per Next Gen Stats), rookie LB Jacob Rodriguez was the 11th-ranked overall LB of the week with a @PFN365 LB Impact grade of 82.4. pic.twitter.com/YSzklNj0Vj
— Matt Infante (@MattInfante) September 14, 2026
Though no Texas Tech fan should be shocked to see Rodriguez make plays on Sundays, many others are just now seeing the 2026 second-round pick in action. Of course, given his Texas Tech roots and the fact that he plays for Miami, people already want to compare him to Hall of Fame linebacker Zach Thomas.
Rodriguez has a long way to go before he reaches that level. However, he got off to a fantastic start for the Dolphins when he got his first taste of NFL football.
Two other Texas Tech alums stand out for Miami
Though it was a rough day for the Dolphins, two other Red Raider football alums also had big days for Miami on Sunday. Veteran linebacker Jordyn Brooks played next to Rodriguez for most of the day and was impactful as well.
The former first-round pick of the Seattle Seahawks racked up nine tackles of his own, with six being solo stops. In other words, the struggles of the Miami defense can't be attributed to the two Red Raiders manning the middle of the field.
At receiver, rookie Caleb Douglas also stood out in his debut. He hauled in a team-high five catches for 95 yards.
Douglas averaged 18.8 yards per reception and had a long of 30 yards. He completed the catch on all but two of the plays on which he was targeted.
Caleb Douglas shined in his NFL Debut 💎📈 #PhinsUp
— Bobby Shouse (@B_Shousejr) September 14, 2026
- 5 REC
- 94 YDS
- 18.8 YPC pic.twitter.com/fZXHWelUxY
He was a third-round pick in this year's draft after putting up 846 yards and seven touchdowns on 54 receptions for the Red Raiders in 2025. Now, he might emerge as the best wide receiver the Dolphins have.
Miami is expected to be one of the worst teams in the NFL this season. Sunday, they did nothing to show any reason to believe otherwise.
However, the Red Raiders on the Miami roster stood out. Though it might be hard for Dolphins fans to watch their team in 2026, fans in West Texas will enjoy watching these three Red Raiders in action together.
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