Dolphins' New Pass-Rush Duo Reunites After Years Apart

Linebackers David Ojabo and Josh Uche go way back to their Michigan days under Jim Harbaugh.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 4:20pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape representing the dynamic action on the field.The reunion of Dolphins linebackers David Ojabo and Josh Uche, longtime friends from their Michigan days, could be the key to unlocking a new era of defensive success in Miami.Today in Miami

Miami Dolphins linebackers David Ojabo and Josh Uche have a long history dating back to their college days at the University of Michigan. The two pass rushers briefly crossed paths on a recruiting visit, with Uche becoming a mentor to the younger Ojabo. Now reunited in Miami, the duo aims to make an explosive impact on the Dolphins' defense.

Why it matters

The Dolphins are looking to improve their pass rush after a disappointing 2025 season, and the reunion of Ojabo and Uche could be a key part of their defensive turnaround. The two players have a strong bond and are eager to compete together at the NFL level for the first time.

The details

Ojabo and Uche first met when Ojabo visited Michigan as a high school recruit. Uche, who was already on the team, took Ojabo under his wing and became a mentor figure. The two remained close, with Uche even helping Ojabo purchase his first car, a green Range Rover. Now, the Dolphins have brought the two together, hoping they can replicate their Michigan connection on the field in Miami.

  • Ojabo and Uche first met during Ojabo's recruiting visit to Michigan.
  • Uche became a mentor to the younger Ojabo during their time at Michigan.

The players

David Ojabo

A linebacker for the Miami Dolphins, Ojabo has a close friendship with teammate Josh Uche dating back to their college days at the University of Michigan.

Josh Uche

A linebacker for the Miami Dolphins, Uche was a mentor to David Ojabo during their time together at Michigan and helped Ojabo purchase his first car, a green Range Rover.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“That's my brother, man. It's almost like my big bro. I showed him a photo, actually, when I was in high school visiting Michigan. He just finished a practice, and it was me and my mom. My mom looked at him and was like, 'Take care of my son, be his big bro. He's going to be looking up to you,' and he said he got me. And ever since then, honestly, he's been looking out.”

— David Ojabo, Linebacker, Miami Dolphins

“My first car, I got it from him, green Range Rover, so he's been taking care of me, man. I gave him a call, honestly, after Coach Hafley reached out and just asked him, 'What do you think about this? Any advice, any way you could lead me?' And he said, 'Man, let's come here and do this thing.'”

— David Ojabo, Linebacker, Miami Dolphins

What’s next

As the Dolphins head into the 2026 season, the reunion of Ojabo and Uche will be a key storyline to watch. The two players will be competing for playing time in a crowded linebacker corps, but their established chemistry and friendship could give them an advantage as they look to make an impact on the field.

The takeaway

The story of Ojabo and Uche's friendship and reunion in Miami is a heartwarming one, showcasing the deep bonds that can form between teammates, even when their paths don't initially cross. Their shared history and mentorship relationship could prove invaluable as the Dolphins look to revamp their defense and return to the playoffs.