The 2026 Rice Football recruiting class has landed its first defensive addition from the Transfer Portal. Former Coastal Carolina corner Zach Cody has committed to the Owls.
The rush of player movement reached its peak on January 2, when the Transfer Portal formally opened for current college players. Staffs across the country combed through thousands of options, landing on whom they hope will be the right pieces to complete their already existing high school hauls. The 2026 Rice Football recruiting class was no different, landing its first new faces on Tuesday. Former Coastal Carolina corner Zach Cody has committed to the Owls.
A product of Coppell High School, Cody returns home to Texas after signing with Coastal Carolina in 2024. He played in all 12 games as a true freshman with the Chants, tallying 15 tackles. He would appear in three contests this season before redshirting and entering the portal, eventually leading him to Rice.
Cody is the second D1 transfer to join the class, with the news of his addition coming not long after Rice Football announced the signing of former UCF quarterback Jacurri Brown. Rice also made two JUCO additions during the early signing period, defensive back Dylan Stephens and defensive lineman Brock Reddic.
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Cody will provide an instant uplift to a thin position group. He’s lightning fast with good burst on tape. At 6-foot, 180 pounds, he’ll be able to hang in the American Conference. His versatility and quickness should be a boost to a secondary that places high value in both traits in its defensive backs.
