A physical, downhill runner whose role continued to grow as the year went on, freshman D’Andre Hardeman is our 2025 Rice Football Rising Star.
When head coach Scott Abell arrived on campus, he elected to honor the scholarships of every player who had committed to Rice football under the prior coaching staff. For some players, the gesture might have been particularly generous, given many of those players were recruited to play in a different scheme and weren’t hand-picked by Abell or his staff. No such concerns existed with running back D’Andre Hardeman.
A standout at North Shore High School in town, Hardeman came to South Main as the kind of athlete at the running back position few coaches would turn down, particularly those interested in pounding the rock as often as Abell.
Through camp, Hardeman traded off snaps in rotation with several others vying for playing time. While he might not have fully separated himself from the pack at that point, the groundwork had already been laid for a big season from the Owls’ featured room.
More: 2025 Rice Football Season Superlatives
“I think the running back room jumps out at me every day,” Abell said, repeatedly acknowledging he had plans to use multiple backs throughout the season and wouldn’t shy away from playing freshman if they earned the work.
If that was the beginnings of the drum beats for Hardeman’s launch, they would only continue to get louder and louder from there. Coaches and teammates praised both he and fellow newcomer Tyvonn Byars, setting the stage for a season with relatively high expectations for the tandem of first-year players.
“I think the freshmen are going to shock a lot of people,” veteran rusher Quinton Jackson said. “They’re willing to learn. They’re willing to go the extra mile to be the best player they can be.”
Hardeman suffered a minor setback just before the season began, which kept him out of practice for a few days and seemed to drop him ever so slightly down the depth chart. That dip wouldn’t be long-lasting.
Want More Rice sports news? Subscribe on Patreon
Hardeman did not play in the opener against Louisiana, but saw in every game from that point forward. And it wasn’t just token snaps. Hardeman was the most active member of the 2025 signing class, playing 12 of the Owls’ 13 games. Only two freshmen played in every contest, Semaj Pierre and Ty Thames, much of which came on special teams.
Meanwhile, Hardeman just kept running. He had at least four carries in all 12 contests he played, finishing third on the team in total touches, trailing only Jackson, slot Aaron Turner and quarterback Chase Jenkins. He was quick, decisive and extremely hard to get to the ground, making the most of his opportunities. And they were valuable touches, too.
Hardeman quickly seized short-yardage and fourth down duties, excelling in those high-leverage situations. He finished the season with 325 yards rushing, two touchdowns and one of the brightest futures among all skill players on campus.
** Photo credit: Maria Lysaker **
