Rice Owls 2026 College Football Preview
Posted June 29, 2026
2025 Recap
Record – 5-8
ATS – 5-8
HOOT HOOT got off to a good start in year one of the Scott Abell era as they won three of their first four games, and one of those victories included a road win over Louisiana as a double‑digit underdog. They scratched and clawed for a while — like owls tend to do — and sat at 5‑5 with two games left. They got blown out in each of their final two regular season games but still managed to snag a bowl invite at 5‑7. They were torched in the Armed Forces Bowl by Texas St, and thus enter the 2026 season ice cold on a three-game skid.
Rice Owls 2026 Outlook
OFFENSE
2025 By The Numbers (American):
- Scoring: 19.1 PPG (#13 American)
- Total Offense: 302.4 YPG (#13 American)
- Rushing: 204.8 YPG (#4 American)
- Passing: 97.6 YPG (#13 American)
- Sacks Allowed: 20 (#6 American)
That was a rough watch. Even worse than Supergirl, but at least the Owls had one redeeming quality — they could run the football.
It’s year two of the option-based attack, and Rice will have a new QB leading the way after the departure of Chase Jenkins, who had his moments last year (9-2 TD-to-INT, 531 rush yards, 5 TD). Jacurri Brown, formerly of UCF and YOUR Miami Hurricanes, looks like a good fit for the offense as he’s got legit wheels and great size (6-4, 220). He’s not a polished passer, but that’s okay for the most part in this style of attack.
Rice brings back their best offensive weapon in RB Quinton Jackson, who’s short on size (5-7, 160) but BIG on results (889 yards, 4.9 avg, 6 TD). There are some bruisers behind Jackson on the depth chart, so we like where the RB room sits heading into fall camp. As far as THROW GAME weaponry, that isn’t a priority in this offense, but it’s worth noting that nobody with more than 100 receiving yards last year is back for 2026. The good news is that they added a small handful of Power 4 transfers, and the FRESH MEAT has the kind of size you want when it comes to blocking and getting the ground attack rolling.
The offensive line should take a step forward in year two of the offense, and they’ve got a projected starting lineup that features 300-pounders across the board.
DEFENSE
2025 By The Numbers (American):
- Scoring: 32.9 PPG (#11 American)
- Total Defense: 403.8 YPG (#11 American)
- Rushing Defense: 163.7 YPG (#8 American)
- Passing Defense: 240.2 YPG (#11 American)
- Sacks: 25 (#5 American)
The Owls struggled on this side of the football last year, but it wasn’t a complete disaster, thanks in large part to the offense, which held onto the ball for a long time (#2 in the American in time of possession). Rice loses their top seven tacklers and top four sack producers, so they’ve got their work cut out for them heading into 2026.
The INTREPID Phil Steele notes that new DL coach Eli Rasheed spent 17 years with the great Matt Campbell, so there’s no doubt he’s got some defensive chops, but the front line doesn’t inspire much confidence. They’ve got a few decent holdovers like DE Joseph Mutombo, and they added a bit of size on the interior through the portal, but we don’t see much hope for a ton of overall PENETRATION.
Houston transfer Jesus Machado has the chops to step right in at MLB, but it’s tough to find potential game-changers in the middle layer of the defense. The Owls need a lot of help on the back end, as they posted a brutal 21-3 TD to INT ratio last year (#131 in FBS in INTs) and gave up a lot of yards through the air. Only one starter returns to the unit, and they’re hoping for big things from transfers including CB Jamir Benjamin (UCLA) and CB Tariq Watson (UAB).
SPECIAL TEAMS
Rice must move on without their talented punter Alex Bacchetta (40.3 net), but they retain placekicker Enock Gota (10/13 FG) and kick returner Quinton Jackson (20.3)
Schedule Analysis
Overall – Rice won’t have much time to celebrate their opening week win over Houston Christian, as their next three non-conference tests are nasty (at Notre Dame, Western Michigan, and at Fresno State). It’s a mixed bag in American action. They don’t have to deal with Navy and Memphis, which is a good thing, but they don’t get a chance to battle fellow bottom-feeders Charlotte and UAB.
Potential ATS Trouble Spot – Sept 12 (at Notre Dame)
It’s a YUUUGE rise in class going from playing Houston Christian to mighty Notre Dame, who is clearly a legit National Championship contender. Notre Dame might sleepwalk for a bit, but it’s gonna be tough for the Owls to score any points in this one.
Season Win Total
Market consensus – June 29
Over 3.5 -115
Under 3.5 -115
MEGALOCKS says:
Lean: Under
There are probably 4-5 winnable games on the slate, and HOOT HOOT will have to go 4-1 in those to hit the over.
Note – Our official list of season win total investments will be posted in the blog section of the website.
MEGAmazing Tidbits
Rice University exists because of a MURDER. In 1900, founder William Marsh Rice was poisoned in his New York apartment by his valet and a crooked lawyer (imagine that) in a scheme to steal his fortune. The plot was uncovered, and Rice’s money was ultimately used to establish the university in Houston in 1912. Imagine trying to steal a guy’s fortune, accidentally founding an elite university instead, and still ending up in prison. TOUGH SCENE for the villains, yo.
The Owls’ last winning season came back in 2014 (!) when they finished with a record of 8-5. In fact, that was their third winning season in a row at that point. Times have changed. Hopefully they get back on track!
MEGALOCKS Forecast:
The Owls did the smart thing last year and switched to an option attack under new HC Scott Abell. Small schools like Rice need to find a way to be competitive without recruiting the same bodies as everyone else, so we say BRAVO.
Of course, it’s gonna take a while to get things going on offense, while at the same time finding some diamonds in the rough on the defensive side of the ball. Rice has won between four and six games in each of the last five years, and we think they’ll do well to hit the bottom part of that range this season. Expect better things, and quite possibly a bowl bid in 2027.
Rice Fight! Never Die!