The 2026 Rice Football recruiting class is filling needs across the board, including special teams. Former Tulane long snapper Phoenix Derichsweiler has committed to the Owls.
There was always going to be an increased special teams presence to the 2026 Rice Football Recruiting class after losing several starting pieces to the Transfer Portal and graduation. With a new punter already added to the fold, the Owls picked up one more on that phase on Friday. Former Tulane long snapper Phoenix Derichsweiler has committed to the Owls.
Derichsweiler didn’t see action with Tulane in 2025, his freshman season with the Green Wave. The former Dallas Jesuit product opted to enter the Transfer Portal and return to his home state, committed to the Owls with four years of eligibility remaining. He fills an immediate need for Rice after former starting long snapper Wyatt Freeman entered the portal this offseason.
Rice also added a high school long snapper in this class, Hamilton Sharpe from the Woodlands College Park. He’ll officially sign with the Owls in February, giving the program multiple options to battle for the starting job next fall. Also coming in on the special teams front is punter Charlie Durkin from Kent State and high school place kicker signee Tommy Bauchiero.
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Like most specialists, the tape reflects the best moments. Consistency will always be key, something Derichsweiler will do his best to demonstrate when he arrives on campus.
