Photo credit by Underdog Dynasty
Head coach Mike Bloomgren is in his sixth year at Rice University, 16-39 overall. The Owls finished 5-8 in 2022 and 3-5 in Conference USA.
Not only will Bloomgren look to improve on last season, he knows the obstacles will stiffen as Rice moves to the AAC this season.
Five other schools will join the Owls from Conference USA, including Charlotte, Florida Atlantic, the University of North Texas, and UTSA.
The move will give Rice more coverage on national tv according to Tanner Gardner, athletic coordinator.
The Owls continue to build and work towards a stable foundation.
In the middle of the defense, the Owls have an answer. Linebacker Chris Conti led the team in tackles last season. Alongside Conti, linebackers Myron Morrison and Josh Pearcy will strengthen the core of the defense.
Nose guard Izeya Floyd will add pressure to opposing offenses while helping the Owls improve on a fifth-spot finish in Conference USA.
The secondary can hold its own, starting with defensive back Jordan Dunbar and safety Gabriel Taylor. Taylor plays well against the run.
Transfer quarterback JT Daniels will make things interesting. Before landing at Rice, he spent time at three other schools, including USC, Georgia, and West Virginia.
The offense will search for a working combination to get on track. Dual Threat Quarterback TJ McMahon, who led the offense with 18 touchdown passes, transferred to Marshall. However, AJ Padgett and Daniels will compete for starting rights.
The receiving corps will be a strong suit this season. Luke McCaffrey led the team with 58 receptions. Bradley Rozner averages 20 yards per catch, along with the instinct to find the end zone. Add in tight end Jake Bradley and the Owls should be fine putting points on the board.
Offensive tackle Clay Servin will help open holes and protect the passing game. Running backs Ari Broussard and Jump Otoviano complement each other well. Broussard scored nine times last season, while Otoviano averaged better than five yards a carry.