Miami Dolphins Receiver Tahj Washington Turns Heads In NFL Debut

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tahj Washington impressed fans an a notable NFL anaylst in his NFL preseason debut. The former USC wide receiver looks to earn a spot on the Dolphins roster and prove to be a valuable addition to Miami's offense heading into the 2025 season.

Mar 2, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Southern California wide receiver Tahj Washington (WO34) during the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Miami Dolphins opened up their 2025 NFL preseason schedule on Sunday against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. While Bears second-year quarterback Caleb Williams didn't see playing time, former USC Trojans wide receiver Tahj Washington did, as he made his preseason debut.

The Dolphins selected Washington with the 241st overall pick in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Dolphins fans who made the trip up north to the Windy City witnessed an exciting debut from the former USC star.

Washington's Preseason Performance

Jul 23, 2025; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) and wide receiver Tahj Washington (7) work during training camp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

In the Dolphins' preseason opener on Sunday against the Bears, which ended in a 24-24 tie, Washington impressed at wide receiver, recording three catches for 53 yards in his Miami debut. His performance impressed Dolphins fans and even caught the attention of ESPN NFL analyst Louis Riddick.

Like what I’m seeing from Tahj Washington …

— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) August 10, 2025

This performance is a promising start for Washington after missing his entire rookie season with the Dolphins, suffering from a leg injury. For him to be getting attention from a top NFL analyst proves he has a shot of making a significant impact on the Dolphins roster.

Now, Washington, Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and the offense must shift focus to a joint practice with the Detroit Lions. Tagovailoa expressed frustration with the offense after being unable to "jump-start" or find momentum in the offense. Hopefully, Miami can get it together before it's next preseason game.

Washington's College Career

Dec 27, 2023; San Diego, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Tahj Washington (16) carries the ball against the Louisville Cardinals in the second half of the Holiday Bowl against the Louisville Cardinals at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Washington spent the first two seasons of his college career with Memphis before transferring to USC in 2021. Washington played at USC from 2021 to 2023 and was one of quarterback Caleb Williams' most reliable wide receivers on offense.

MORE: Updated Recruiting Rankings: Georgia Bulldogs, USC Trojans's Exciting 5-Star Commits

MORE: USC Trojans 5-Star Recruits Turning Heads With Prestigious Preseason Honor

MORE: NFL Insider's Urgent Message About Chicago Bears' Caleb Williams, Ben Johnson

MORE: USC Trojans' Lincoln Riley Reveals Team's Most Underrated Players

In his redshirt senior season with the Trojans, Washington led USC in receiving, collecting 59 catches for 1,062 yards and eight touchdowns. He finished his USC career with 2,449 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns. In 2022, Washington was named to the All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention for his performance in his redshirt junior season.

What to Expect from Washington Next

Mar 1, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Southern California wide receiver Tahj Washington (WO34) talks to the media during the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Washington is currently fighting for a roster spot on the Dolphins and has the rest of training camp and two more preseason games to prove that he belongs in the NFL.

The Dolphins will travel to Detroit to take on the Lions on Saturday before returning home to Miami for their final preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on August 23rd.

Washington should see playing time for the Dolphins in the next two preseason games, and USC fans will be rooting for him to earn a roster spot on Miami's final 53-man roster for the 2025 NFL season. Washington would be joining a Dolphins wide receiver group that features Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Dee Eskridge, and Malik Washington, among others.

Assuming all goes well the rest of the preseason for Washington, we could be seeing him in game action when the Dolphins open up their 2025 season against the Indianapolis Colts on September 7th at Lucas Oil Stadium.