An option-offense product is joining the 2026 Rice Football Recruiting class. Former Army slot Michael Sifford has committed to the Owls.
There aren’t many places in the country that produce transfer portal players with experience running an option offense. The 2026 Rice football recruiting class picked up one such newcomer this week from West Point. Former Army slot Michael Sifford has committed to the Owls.
Originally a member of the 2025 high school recruiting class, Sifford had a previous connection to head coach Schott Abell and the Owls, having been offered by Abell while at Davidson. He opted to take a scholarship at West Point. Now, a year later, he’s taking Abell up on that initial interest.
With Sifford on board, the 2026 class boasts a strong mix of young talent and experienced hands in the slot room. Sifford will fit right in the middle, joining veterans Max Mosey (Holy Cross) and Ben Grice (Wake Forest) as well as two incoming freshmen, Fisher Leftwich and Jai Jacobs-Ford.
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A former two-way player at the high school level, the 5-foot-11, 160-pound Sifford showcased his quickness and acceleration. Speed has been a clear focal point of the staff in this portal cycle and Sifford fits the bill, showcasing plenty of juice on his film. He’s definitely the kind of player that has the potential to change a game with the ball in his hands.
