A National Signing Day addition to the 2026 Rice Football Recruiting class. Tight end Jackson DeAtley has committed to the Owls.
Near their projected positional quotas at so many spots in the 2026 Rice Football Recruiting Class, National Signing Day additions were few and targeted. The Owls were focused on the rounding out the group with the right pieces, including one more coveted offensive weapon. Tight end Jackson DeAtley has committed to the Owls.
Rice was the first reported offer for DeAtley, who had a late burst in the high school ranks after playing multiple positions, including defensive line and tight end. He also has experience snapping, making him a versatile piece to plug into a Rice program that puts tremendous value on athletes who can do many things well.
The inclusion of DeAtley and fellow signing day add, offensive lineman Bennett Eivens, brings the Owls’ Wednesday total up to six signatures. Also officially joining the fold are safeties Seth Brown Jr. and Xavier Ether as well as corner Jordan Mitchell, long snapper Hamilton Sharpe and running back Justin Powell.
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DeAtley’s film reflects that prized versatility mentioned above. From lining up in the backfield to putting his hand in the ground to being split wide, he’s proven the ability to make plays from a variety of spots on the field. And at 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds, he boasts a good frame to build on moving forward.
