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Rice Football Recruiting: DL Tyler Lavallier commits to Owls

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A wave of defensive additions to the 2026 Rice Football recruiting class continued this week. Defensive lineman Tyler Lavallier has committed to the Owls.

Adding difference makers in the trenches is a must-do for every program in the country. Being able to fulfill that task without going too far is an added bonus. The 2026 Rice Football recruiting class found one such fit for their future defense from just down the road in Brookshire, TX. Defensive lineman Tyler Lavallier has committed to the Owls.

Lavallier picked Rice over offers from programs such as Wyoming, Army, Navy, Air Force, Princeton, Columbia and Yale. He also had a growing list of interest from nearby lower-level programs like Incarnate Word, SFA and Houston Christian.

The welcoming nature and consistent communication from the coaching staff played a significant role in Lavallier’s decision, as did the scheme under defensive coordinator Jon Kay.

“They don’t just have one package,” Lavallier told The Roost. “Everyone and everything is interchangeable and can move and be very versatile. And I feel like that fits me because I can move well. I have good footwork, so being able to play different spots widens my playing field.”

Lavallier is the third commitment to the 2026 Rice Football recruiting class in the past two weeks. Corner Jordan Mitchell made his pledge on August 1. Safety Zion Allen followed not too long afterward on August 10 with Lavallier jumping on board three days later.

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Standing 6-foot-2 and tipping the scales at 285 pounds, Lavallier is an unmistakable presence in the interior of the defensive line every time you turn on the tape. He breaks free from engagements with powerful hands and has a motor that gets him into the offensive backfield with regularity.

“I take pride in taking on double teams and not being moved,” Lavallier said. “I like to know it takes two to block me.”

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Rice Baseball 2025: MLB Owls Update – August 12

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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 broke through with a couple big hits at the beginning of the week, including a double against the Braves and a clutch RBI single against the Indians. He also has walked three times in the last four games, all bright spots as he works to get out of a post All-Star Break slump.

Through August 12, Myers is hitting .241 with 14 extra-base hits, 21 walks and 66 strikeouts. His OPS is .635 and he’s collected 26 RBI and stolen 16 bases.

Tristan Gray – Tampa Bay Rays

Gray has settled into a spot as a utility infielder for the Rays making two starts this week at second base, hitting ninth in the batting order in a pair of games against the surging Mariners.

Through August 12, Gray is hitting .077 with no walks and five strikeouts in just 13 plate appearances. He collected one RBI and one hit.

Injured List

Anthony Rendon – Los Angeles Angels

Rendon has been out of the news since it was reported he would miss a significant amount of time following hip surgery this spring. There have been no updates from the Angels or his camp since then.

Matt Canterino – Twins AAA

Canterino underwent season-ending surgery this spring and was released by the Twins before subsequently signing back with the club on a minor league contract while he undergoes rehab.

Knocking on the Door

The following Owls either began the season in AAA or have since been promoted to that level:

  • Evan Kravetz – Louisville Bats (Reds)
  • Glenn Otto – Sugar Land Space Cowboys (Astros)
  • Trei Cruz – Toledo Mud Hens (Tigers)
  • Hayden Durke – Reno Aces (Diamondbacks)

The most exciting pro ball play of the day from the Rice baseball alums this week might have come from the AAA ranks with Trei Cruz blasting a walk-off grand slam on Tuesday evening.

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2025 Rice Football Opponent Season Preview: Charlotte

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Charlotte is hitting the reset button this coming fall and will have a new coach at the helm. What can Rice Football expect from the 49ers in 2025?

Head Coach: Tim Albin
Record at School: 0-0 (1 Yr) | Career FBS Record 34-19 (4 Yr)
Offensive Coordinator: Todd Fitch | Defensive Coordinator: Nate Faanes

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2025 Rice Football Season Preview: Slot

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Next up in our 2025 Rice Football Season Preview: slot. Here’s our breakdown of the Owls’ plans for the group this season.

The new Rice football offense brings with it new positions. Out are the fullbacks, no longer listed in any capacity on the Owls’ roster. In their place, head coach Scott Abell has introduced the Slot position, a crucial cog in his spread option attack. There’s a lot to unpack with this group that is expected to play a pivotal role for the Owls this season.

Rice Football Preseason Preview: Check out the rest of the series here.

This piece is part of our 2025 Rice Football Season Preview. Get access to it, as well as all other preview posts such as positional breakdowns, depth chart and schedule analysis and more when you subscribe on Patreon today. 

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** Photo credit: Maria Lysaker **

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Rice Football Recruiting: SAF Zion Allen commits to Owls

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It’s been a good month in the secondary for the 2026 Rice Football recruiting class. Safety Zion Allen has flipped his commitment to the Owls.

The 2026 Rice Football recruiting class picked up steam over the summer, exploding from a few commitments in the spring to more than a dozen future Owls awaiting their chance to arrive on campus. That number grew this weekend with their latest addition from the high school ranks. Safety Zion Allen from Aquinas High School (GA) has committed to the Owls.

Allen’s commitment is a bit unique because he was previously committed elsewhere. His first offer came from Army and he committed to the Black Knights in early July. Soon afterward, Rice football tosses its hat into the ring, forcing Allen to reconsider.

“It was difficult,” Allen told The Roost. “I had multiple conversations and prayers with my family which really helped.”

Allen pointed towards the relationships and academics as key factors in his decision, which he made official roughly a month after the Owls offered him a scholarship. The defensive scheme was important, too.

“I like the versatility of the position they’re recruiting me at,” Allen said. “I feel like I can thrive playing up high and playing in the box.”

With Allen in the fold, Rice football now has three defensive backs committed in the 2026 class. Cy Falls’ corner James Henderson and Ridge Point’s Jordan Mitchell each committed to the program this summer.

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The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Allen is a natural centerfielder with impressive range and a quick first step. Add in a willingness to engage and make a tackle and you get the makings of a rather complete player when you turn on the tape. He’s another athletic addition to a talented defensive backfield.

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