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2025 Rice Football Season Preview: Running Back

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

A new offense brings with it a myriad of differing outlooks for key position groups, few of which will enter the upcoming 2025 Rice Football season with as much expectation as the running back room. The focal point of a scheme that has led the nation in rushing frequently when head coach Scott Abell was at Davidson, the Owls’ backs are going to be leaned on to carry a significant load in this offense.

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: DL Ian Harrell commits to Owls

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Further reinforcements in the trenches are on the way for the 2026 Rice Football recruiting class. Defensive lineman Ian Harrell has committed to the Owls.

Back-to-back defensive line additions has the 2026 Rice Football recruiting class riding high as the Owls keep adding difference makers at premium positions. Even with the fall season fast approaching, Rice football doesn’t appear to be slowing down. Defensive lineman Ian Harrell has committed to the Owls.

Murray State and UT Martin were the most prominent offers Harrell had received in addition to his interest from Rice. Ultimately the Buckhorn, Alabama native opted to head west to Texas and play for the Owls.

Harrell is the fourth commitment to the 2026 Rice Football recruiting class this month. Corner Jordan Mitchell opened August with his pledge then safety Zion Allen followed not long afterward. Fellow defensive lineman Tyler Lavallier committed one week to the day of Harrell’s commitment.

Premium: Rice Football Recruiting Offer and Commitment Tracker

Harrell’s burst and drive make their mark as soon as the tape is turned on. If he gets going downhill with steam, opposing quarterbacks are in trouble. His ability to play multiple positions and his sturdy 6-foot-1, 280-pound frame make for another strong building block up front as the Owls continue to stockpile talent in the trenches.

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2025 Rice Football Season Preview: Defensive Line

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

There’s a new coordinator at the helm of the Rice Football defense and a mix of new and old faces who will be asked to step into significant roles this coming season. Even with the changes, getting to the passer and creating havoc in the run game will be the marching orders for a front that believes it has enough depth to make a difference.

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. 

Subscriber content. Please login to see the full post or visit our Patreon page.
Sorry! This part of content is hidden behind this box because it requires a higher contribution level ($10) at Patreon. Why not take this chance to increase your contribution?

** Photo credit: Maria Lysaker **

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2025 Rice Football Season Preview: Offensive Line

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

A new Rice football offensive scheme means a reworked offensive line, which will be asked to operate much differently than the unit was a season ago when Rice ran a more West Coast style of offense. While that was a tall order when head coach Scott Abell arrived, it’s been nothing but glowing endorsements of the progress made by the players they inherited in the offensive trenches to this point. Abell has continued to reiterate how optimistic he is about this unit.

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. 

Subscriber content. Please login to see the full post or visit our Patreon page.
Sorry! This part of content is hidden behind this box because it requires a higher contribution level ($10) at Patreon. Why not take this chance to increase your contribution?

** Photo credit: Maria Lysaker **

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2025 Rice Football Opponent Season Preview: Navy

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Navy is aiming high after a breakthrough second season under Brian Newberry. What can Rice Football expect from the Midshipmen in 2025?

Head Coach: Brian Newberry
Record at School: 25-15 (2 Yr) | Career FBS Record: 25-15 (2 Yr)
Offensive Coordinator: Drew Cronic | Defensive Coordinator: P.J. Volker

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