The 2026 Rice Football Recruiting picked up another pledge from a high school defensive back. Safety Seth Brown Jr. has committed to the Owls.
Following a burst of activity in the Transfer Portal, the 2026 Rice Football Recruiting class circled back to the high school ranks this week, with several of the program’s most recent new additions coming from the prep ranks, including this most recent addition. Safety Seth Brown, a Valdosta, Georgia native, has committed to the Owls.
Brown scooped up more than a dozen offers over the past year and change, collecting interest from several Ivy League programs as well as the likes of Navy, Northern Illinois and others. Still, he held out for the right fit, pulling the trigger in favor of Rice quickly once a formal offer was made.
“What really stood out to me about Coach Abell and the program was the culture he’s building and how intentional everything is. From the first conversation, it was clear he genuinely cares about developing players not just on the field, but as people too,” Brown told The Roost. “The direction Rice football is heading made me feel like this is a place where I can grow, be challenged, and be part of something special.”
Brown joins another high school safety commit this week, Xavier Ether, as well as corner Jordan Mitchell, to form a young core for the Owls to build on in addition to the parliament of veteran Owls they added in the secondary through the portal.
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The Owls’ coveted trait of versatility stands out in Brown’s tape. He’s everywhere, making plays at every level and keeping his eyes up, ready to react and make a play.
“I really take pride in being a true all-around safety. I can play downhill and be physical in the run game, I’m comfortable covering in the slot or deep in the post, and I feel like my football IQ and communication help get everyone lined up the right way. I trust my eyes, my instincts, and my preparation, so I’m able to make plays in a lot of different situations. Whatever the defense needs me to do, I’m confident I can handle it at a high level,” Brown said.
