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Rice Football Recruiting: RB Dionne Sims commits to Owls

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A dynamic local rusher is joining the 2026 Rice Football recruiting class. CE King running back Dionne Sims has committed to the Owls.

Because the position is the engine that drives head coach Scott Abell’s gun-option offense, there’s a high bar to clear for prospective running backs that could have been targets for the 2026 Rice Football recruiting class. Following an extensive search, the program has landed on its next man up at the position. CE King running back Dionne Sims has committed to the Owls.

Sims is a game-changer with no lack of interest across the nation. His first offer in high school came from Oregon before he added the likes of Illinois, Arizona, Houston, UTSA, Texas State and others to mix. He eventually committed to Stephen F Austin in June, but made the flip to Rice this week as the fall season started to wind down.

Outside interest aside, Sims’ potential makes him a significant win for the Owls. Those talents hit a high point earlier this season when he rushed for a school-record 435 yards and six touchdowns against Atascocita, no small feat.

Sims is the latest addition to a stable that includes other local standouts like D’Andre Hardeman (Northshore) and Tyvonn Byars (Lake Creek). He joins a 2026 Rice Football recruiting class that already includes skill players Preston Jackson, Jai Jacobs-Ford, led by quarterback commit Ayden Wilhelm.

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When it comes to the tape, there’s a ton to like with Sims. His vision is superb and he can a fantastic job putting his foot in the ground and exploding downfield. He’s a hard runner with a nose for the endzone that should find plenty of opportunity in an offense that loves to pound the rock.

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Rice Football: The Good, The Bad and the Midseason Numbers

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At roughly the midpoint of the season, Rice football has felt like a mixed bag of some good and some bad. The numbers reflect that uncertainty.

The first Rice football bye week of the season doesn’t exactly bifurcate the season into two equal parts, but it does serve as a natural delineation between halves of the season. The staff had time to sit down during the week and make some adjustments, hopefully leading to improved performance across the board over the next five games.

What specific areas could they be targeting to improve? And what is this team already doing well? Here’s a quick look at what the numbers suggest.

The Good

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Rice Football 2025: UConn Game Week Practice Notes

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It’s been a week of rest and strategizing for Rice football as they prepare to kick off the second half of their season against UConn. Here’s news from the practice field.

A week and a half removed from losing three quarterbacks in a game and suffering a third straight defeat, Rice football looks refreshed and restored heading into its Week 7 game against UConn. It’s not all positive news on the health front, but the program is certainly looking in much better shape than it did two weeks ago.

This week’s update will hit on those key injuries, particularly at quarterback, as well as what wrinkles the program has been able to implement in the bye week and a few other risers and fallers in the off week.

And This Week’s Starting Quarterback Will Be…?

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Rice Baseball 2025: MLB Owls Regular Season Roundup

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The 2025 MLB season is underway and Rice baseball alums are making the most of their time in The Show. Here’s the latest from the MLB Owls.

Dane Myers – Miami Marlins

Myers experienced the hottest start of his professional career, slashing .282/.330/.381 before the All-Star break, doing enough on both sides of the plate to warrant some consideration on the ballots. He provided game-changing plays with his defense in center field.

While his bat was more streaky, he still found ways to contribute at the plate like this game-tying grand slam against the Dodgers:

Myers finished the season hitting .235 with 16 extra-base hits, 23 walks and 77strikeouts. His OPS was .617. He collected 19 RBI and stole 31 bases.

Tristan Gray – Tampa Bay Rays

Gray began the season in the Chicago White Sox organization at the AAA level before being traded in late July to the Marlins, who quickly called him up to their active roster. Gray went on to appear in 30 games for the club, serving as a utility infielder and playing every position on the infield. He also saw a bit of resurgence with his bat, swatting three home runs.

Gray finished the season hitting .231 with eight extra-base hits, six walks and 19 strikeouts. His OPS was .693 and he collected nine RBI.

Anthony Rendon – Los Angeles Angels

Rendon missed the entirety of the 2025 season following hip surgery in the spring. Recent updates indicate he has yet to resume baseball activities. The third basemen is scheduled to enter the seventh and final season of his contract he signed with the Angels following the 2019 season.

Knocking on the Door

The following Owls spent at least some portion of their 2025 season at the AAA level:

  • Matt Canterio – St. Paul Saints (Twins)
  • Evan Kravetz – Louisville Bats (Reds)
  • Glenn Otto – Sugar Land Space Cowboys (Astros)
  • Trei Cruz – Toledo Mud Hens (Tigers)
  • Hayden Durke – Reno Aces (Diamondbacks)
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Rice Football 2025: NFL Owls Week 7 Roundup

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Rice Football is well represented on 2025 NFL rosters. Here’s the latest from the NFL Owls in action in Week 7.

There are former Rice football players scattered across the NFL. Stay tuned each week for their game results and notables from each player.

TeamNFL Owl(s)This WeekResultNext Week
Washington CommandersLuke McCaffrey (WR)at CowboysL, 44-22at Chiefs (MNF)
Philadelphia EaglesKylen Granson (TE)at VikingsW, 28-22vs Giants
Detroit LionsJack Fox (P)vs Bucs (SNF)W, 24-9— OFF —
Pittsburgh SteelersChris Boswell (PK)
Calvin Anderson (OL)		at Bengals (TNF)L, 33-31vs Packers (SNF)

Defense

Elijah Garcia – DL, Giants

Garcia was waived by the Giants this week.

Offense

Luke McCaffrey – WR, Commanders

McCaffrey was targeted twice in the Commanders’ Week 7 game against the Cowboys but did not record a reception. It was his first game without a catch since Week 1.

Calvin Anderson – OL, Steelers

Anderson saw action in his third game of the season this weekend, playing on special teams in the Steelers’ Week 7 game against the Bengals.

Kylen Granson – TE, Eagles

Granson officially got his second start of the season with the Eagles’ offense, splitting time between that phase and the special teams unit where he’s been a regular this season. He did not record any official statistics.

Special Teams

Jack Fox – P, Lions

Fox punted five times in the Lions’ Week 7 win over the Bucs, averaging 51.2 yards per kick with a long of 66 yards. He pinned one of his kicks inside the 20 yard line.

Chris Boswell – K, Steelers

Boswell was 1-of-1 on his lone field goal against the Bengals in Week 7, converting all four of his extra point tries. He is 10-of-12 on field goals this season, including one blocked kick.

More Owls in the NFL

From practice squads to current free agents, there are other Owls on the cusp of returning to active rosters. Find more details on current contractual agreements and former Rice football players waiting for their next opportunity here.

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