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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 Recruiting: WR Preston Jackson commits to Owls

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An offensive difference maker is joining the 2026 Rice Football recruiting class. Wide receiver Preston Jackson has committed to the Owls.

Concerns that a run-first offense would struggle to find dynamic receiver threats have largely proved overblown, to this point. The 2026 Rice Football recruiting class picked up another threat on the outside following an explosive day through the air for the Owls on the field. Forney wide receiver Preston Jackson has committed to the Owls.

Jackson was a highly sought-after prospect on the recruiting trail, holding offers from Tulane, Wake Forest, San Diego State, Utah State, Arkansas State and others at the time of his pledge. Rice formally jumped into the mix in August, landing a commitment from Jackson just a few weeks later.

For Jackson, that big decision was driven by relationships. “Seeing how close all the staff are to each other and the support they give to their athletes,” was a driving factor for Jackson, he told The Roost.

Jackson joins slot receiver Jai Jacobs-Ford and tight end Colten Cole as the primary receiving targets in the class to this point. The Owls will likely look to add a few more before signing day arrives this winter.

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The 6-foot, 173-pound Jackson is a natural fit on the outside in this offense. His acceleration is exciting, as is his ability to make plays after the catch in space. “I liked the shots down the field that they took while everyone expected the run,” he said. “I could just imagine myself in that position next year.”

The film showcases a player who can be a weapon down the field, something the Owls are seeking when they add players at this position to the offense.

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Rice Football Recruiting: Owls Ready for Big Visit Weekend

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The first home game of the season means a big Rice Football recruiting weekend is on deck. Here’s the latest intel on which key recruits will be on campus.

Winning the opener against Louisiana marked the first big event for the existing roster, but the upcoming home opener for head coach Scott Abell will carry with it an influx of potential future Owls. The upcoming game against Houston will be massive for the foundations of future Rice football recruiting classes with key commits and targets set to flock to South Main for this game.

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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.

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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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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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