The 2026 Rice Football recruiting class just keeps adding more playmakers during the Early Signing Period. Defensive lineman Chris Knauls has committed to the Owls.
Months ago, Chris Knauls was one of the top targets in the 2026 Rice Football recruiting class but the timing wasn’t right. Knauls made plans to sign with Michigan State before the coaching change opened the door for further conversations with Rice. Those progressed over the past week and are paying off now. Knauls has committed to the Owls.
Knauls will be one of the highest-rated players in the Owls’ class and had a long list of interested suitors before initially settling with the Spartans. The Frisco Lone Star product had offers from Texas Tech, Indiana, Houston, Utah, Kansas State, Tulane, Boise State, Cal, Colorado and a host of others. He’s one of a growing list of players to pick the Owls over a choice of Power conference programs.
With Knauls accounted for, the class now boasts seven defensive linemen, including a pair of rush ends. Knauls is the second new addition this week to the defensive front, joining JUCO signee Brock Reddic, who made things offer on Wednesday.
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There’s so much to love with Knauls on tape. The 6-foot-4, 250-pound is quick on his feet and versatile, something that Rice will certainly take advantage of when he arrives on South Main. His length will make him problematic for opposing quarterbacks.
