Rice Owls 2026 Preview: ISU Ties and a Ground-Game Revival
The Rice Owls are gearing up for the 2026 college football season with a renewed focus on ground-and-pound football and a familiar face for Iowa fans. Head coach Scott Abell enters his second year at the helm, moving past the rebuilding phase and setting his sights on the program's first winning season since 2014. With a unique offensive scheme and a coaching staff featuring former Iowa State talent, the Owls are a team worth watching this fall.
How does the Rice Owls' 2026 season impact Iowa fans?
Iowa connections stand out on the Rice sideline this year. The Owls hired Eli Rasheed as their new defensive line coach. Rasheed spent the last 10 years coaching the defensive line at Iowa State, where he helped develop NFL Draft selections Will McDonald IV, Domonique Orange, and Eyioma Uwazurike. His presence brings a tough, Big 12 mentality to the American Conference.
Rice also added a new starting quarterback who recently torched the Cyclones. Jacurri Brown transferred to Rice after stints at Miami and UCF. In his 2024 start against Iowa State, Brown ran for 154 yards and two touchdowns, proving his mobility is a serious threat. Now, he runs the Owls' unique offense.
What is the Rice Gun Choice offense?
Scott Abell brought a radical change to Rice football in 2025. He scrapped the traditional pro-style offense for the