Rice prepares to build a covered practice pavilion

Tyvonn Byars recorded his first 100-yard rushing game as Rice beat Houston Christian 31-3. Quinton Jackson scored twice, and the Owls' defense helped turn an early deficit into a comfortable win in the first meeting between the Houston programs.

Jacurri Brown, Daveon Hook, Quinton Jackson, and Chibby Nwajuaku were selected by teammates as Rice's 2026 captains. Scott Abell's announcement describes their leadership roles, with Jackson returning as captain after earning the team's MVP honor in 2025.

Rice announced an August start for construction of the Kraft Football Pavilion, the first phase of its Gateway Project. Plans call for a full-length turf field beneath an open-air roof beside the current practice area to support training in difficult weather.