Rice Owls

Rice enters 2026 with a retooled roster and a second year under head coach Scott Abell's option offense. After losing quarterback Chase Jenkins to the portal, the Owls brought in transfers Jacurri Brown (Miami/UCF) and Gael Ochoa (UNLV) to run the attack. The offense averaged 19.1 points per game last season, relying heavily on the ground game (nearly 205 rushing yards per game). Leading rusher Quentin Jackson returns, but most skill position players departed, making the quarterback competition and the development of new playmakers critical to improving a unit that surpassed 20 points in only five games last year.

The defense lost its top seven tacklers and most starters to graduation and the transfer portal, forcing a major rebuild. Returning leaders like Viper Jo Chavez and defensive end Joseph Mutombo must anchor a unit that allowed nearly 33 points and 404 yards per game last season. The Owls forced only seven turnovers all year and allowed opponents to score on all 41 red-zone trips (30 touchdowns). Improving red-zone stops and generating takeaways will be essential to keeping games close and reducing the burden on the offense.

Placekicker Enock Gota returns after a solid 10-of-13 season on field goals, though he has yet to connect from beyond 50 yards. He has been reliable on kickoffs with 37 touchbacks in each of the last two seasons. New punter Charlie Durkin, a transfer from Kent State, averaged 41.4 yards per punt last year with six punts over 50 yards and 14 inside the 20. This duo gives Rice a dependable special teams unit that can flip field position and provide scoring when drives stall.

Last season, the Owls' inability to sustain drives left the defense on the field too often, contributing to the high points allowed. With a run-heavy option attack, controlling the clock and converting third downs will be vital. The offense must improve on its 19.1 points per game average and find consistency through the air to complement the ground game. If Rice can move the sticks and score more frequently, it can keep the defense fresh and compete for a bowl berth.

After a 5-8 season that included a bowl appearance via APR, Rice faces another year of heavy roster turnover with over 50 players lost to graduation and transfers. The option offense, praised by opposing coaches for its difficulty to prepare for, could give the Owls an edge in close conference games. Success will hinge on how quickly new transfers and young players adapt to the system, especially on defense. If the offense can improve its scoring and the defense can generate more stops, Rice has a path to bowl eligibility again.