The 2026 Rice Football Recruiting class just added a pass catching threat on the outside. Former Cincinnati wide receiver Barry Jackson has committed to the Owls.
A year ago, it was Aaron Turner who transferred from Cincinnati to South Main. Now the 2026 Rice Football recruiting class hopes to replicate that level of newfound production with another transfer from the Bearcats’ program. Former Cincinnati wide receiver Barry Jackson has committed to the Owls.
Jackson is a Georgia native who originally picked Cincinnati over Nebraska, Memphis and Duke as a high school recruit. In his three seasons with the Bearcats, Jackson appeared in 28 games, making a handful of starts while primarily serving as a reserve receiver and special teams contributor. He had seven career receptions for 122 yards and one touchdown before entering the portal and choosing South Main.
Unlike a host of the other skill position additions in this cycle, Jackson seems to be the most likely to stick on the outside. The 5-foot-11, 195-pound receiver has some position flexibility, but he’s a more natural fit at that spot than some others. For the time being, he and incoming high school signee Preston Jackson are the most likely contributors to that room, with Ben Grice being another contender, although he might wind up in the slot.
Premium: Rice Football Recruiting Offer and Commitment Tracker
One of the most powerful selling points of Jackson’s tape is his ability to win vertically. He plays bigger than his frame might suggest and he’s a proven downfield target, something Rice football was really hoping to find in this crop of transfer additions.
