Rice Football Recruiting: WR Tyson Thompson commits to Owls

Rice Football recruiting has added another pass catcher from the transfer portal, picking up a commitment from former HBU wideout Tyson Thompson.

A busy week for Rice football recruiting has yet to slow down. After adding two transfers and one more commitment from the high school ranks in the past six days, has Rice reached just across town to add another potential impact player for the offense. Former Houston Baptist wide receiver Tyson Thompson has committed to the Owls.

Formerly a member of the 2020 recruiting class, Thompson’s breakthrough season came last fall, his first complete season with the FCS program after HBU played only a partial schedule in his first year with the team. As a redshirt freshman, Thompson led the team in receptions (57) and yards (562) while hauling in two touchdowns.

Following his decision to enter the portal in late April, Thompson chose Rice over Ball State, James Madison, Georgia Southern, Northwestern State and others. A Houston native, Thompson said it had “always been a dream to play for Rice football.” After spending two seasons across town, he’ll have three years of eligibility with which to fulfill those dreams.

Thompson joins what will be an almost completely revamped recruiting corps for the Owls, built primarily from the Transfer Portal. He’ll join Bradley Rozner (JUCO transfer), Luke McCaffrey (Nebraska transfer), Sam Crawford (Tulsa transfer), Isaiah Esdale (West Virginia transfer), and Tre Patterson (New Mexico transfer) on the field next fall.

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Adding players that can stretch the field has been an emphasis of this coaching staff since they arrived at South Main. Thompson showcases that breakaway speed on the first play of his highlight tape, taking a shallow crossing route 50-yards to the house. He’s also a talented return man and could contribute on special teams right away.