The 2026 Rice Football recruiting class has its quarterback of the future. Ayden Wilhelm from Blue Springs South (MO) has committed to the Owls.
The ever-changing landscape had the 2026 Rice Football recruiting class in need of a quarterback as the summer months progressed. Rice didn’t waste much time after the opening appeared, moving quickly to land a commitment from one of the first players they offered in the class. Blue Springs South (MO) quarterback Ayden Wilhelm has committed to the Owls.
Wilhelm held offers from Army, Navy, Cornell and a handful of others at the time of his decision to shut things down in favor of the Owls. The intelligent, dual-threat player was a coveted choice to run an option offense and lands at South Main as the QB1 of the 2026 class.
“From the moment I stepped on campus, they made me feel like I was important and wanted,” Wilhelm told The Roost, praising head coach Scott Abell and the program he’s building. “He’s setting a high standard and is a proven winner,” Wilhelm said.
In securing a pledge from Wilhelm, Rice has officially turned the page on Aiden Smalls, who flipped his commitment to NC State a week prior. Wilhelm joins a robust offensive skill group that includes slot players Jai Jacobs-Ford and Jacob Swain, along with receiver Prince Hall and tight end Colten Cole.
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Wilhelm’s ability to create is the most exciting trait that jumps out from his highlight tape. Yes, he can run — clocked at sub 4.50 speeds — but that’s the assumed starting point of dual-threat quarterbacks in today’s age. His ability to throw on the move, to escape pressure and find open lanes — and then to make the first defender miss — is what makes him so enticing as a prospect. Putting him into Abell’s option offense should be incredibly exciting.
“The style of offense was a big deciding factor in choosing Rice,” Wilhelm said. “It’s an offensive scheme that is tailored to my strengths as a runner and play maker, putting the defense in conflict every play.”
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