In his long-awaited NFL debut, Jacksonville Jaguars rookie running back Leonard Fournette put together an impressive performance in the 27-9 road win over the Houston Texans in the season opener on Sunday afternoon.
According to Michael DiRocco of ESPN, Fournette's outing put him all alone in team history as the only rookie to rack up 100 rushing yards in their first game.
Fournette ran for 100 yards and a touchdown on 26 carries in the Jaguars' 29-7 victory over the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium, making him the first Jaguars running back to surpass 100 yards in their first NFL game. In fact, Fournette is just the fourth Jaguars rookie running back to rush for 100 or more yards in a game.
The 22-year-old was everything and more advertised against the Texans being a reliable source of production in the backfield, which is something that the team has lacked for the last few seasons. He showed great elusiveness and power on many of runs that either prevent negative yardage or keep the drive alive.
In fact, Fournette's first career touchdown came on fourth-and-goal in the first half that he bulldozed through the defenders to get into the end zone. It has immediately given the franchise much reason for optimism that he could be the running back that the team can build around for the next several years ahead.
He certainly has the potential to become one of the most productive workhorse tail backs in the league. Fournette's next test will come in his first divisional action against the Tennessee Titans.





![Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) walks off the field after losing to the Bills during an NFL football AFC Wild Card playoff matchup, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. Bills lead 10-7 at the half over the Jaguars. The Bills defeated the Jaguars 27-24. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]](https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Jaguars-rumors-Insider-pours-cold-water-on-Brian-Thomas-trade-buzz.jpg?w=200&quality=90)


![Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) holds his head after a pass interference call during the second quarter in an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]](https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Jacksonville-Jaguars-WR-Brian-Thomas-Jr.jpg?w=200&quality=90)











