Another veteran defender has joined the 2026 Rice Football Recruiting class. Former Nevada linebacker Austin Harnetiaux has committed to the Owls.
The 2026 Rice Football recruiting class is winding down as the flurry of Transfer Portal additions slows and spring ball is just around the corner. The number of roster spots remaining continues to dwindle. Rice spent one more this week on a veteran defensive addition from the west coast. Former Nevada linebacker Austin Harnetiaux has committed to the Owls.
Harnetiaux began his college career at Washington, where he played sparingly but was awarded Scout Squad MVP following his last season with the Huskies in 2023. From there he moved to Nevada, appearing in 25 games, tallying 81 tackles across two seasons with the Wolfpack before hitting the portal once more, this time finding his way to South Main.
He and Houston transfer Jesus Machado will anchor the Owls’ linebacker haul in this cycle, in addition to high school signing Jayden Cupitt. It’s a solid collection of experience and talent to add to a young room with several returning players the staff esteems.
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There’s a lot to like on Harnetiaux’s tape. He’s decisive and hits hard with good closing speed. Rangy linebackers in his mold have done very well at Rice in recent years, which bodes well for the ceiling of what Harnetiaux could accomplish at Rice.
