Rice Football Opens 2025 Season with Media Day

HOUSTON — Rice University football hosted its 2025 Media Day this week, introducing a season full of change, energy, and high expectations under new head coach Scott Abell. 

Known for his success with a run-heavy option attack at Davidson, Abell brings a revamped offensive philosophy to the Owls, aiming to improve on last year’s 334.6 yards per game and bolster a program that returns 62 players from 2024.

The Owls will lean on both returning leaders and key newcomers this fall. On offense, center David Stickle anchors a unit that includes top returning rusher Quinton Jackson, who tallied 275 rushing yards in 2024, and leading receiver Braylen Walker. 

Defensively, veteran playmakers like linebacker Andrew Awe, defensive tackle Blake Boenisch, and defensive back Michael Daley will look to replicate last year’s stingy performance that ranked among the nation’s best in limiting points.

Daley said the grind of camp has been relentless but necessary. "It’s intense,” Daley said. “We’re all at the point now where we’re kind of tired of hitting on each other. We’re ready to just go hit Louisiana.” Jackson, who also enters the season as one of the nation’s top kick returners, praised Abell’s leadership style. 

“Coach Abell is a big relationship guy, he really wants to get to know you, and when you have a coach that wants to get to know you, his door is always open, you really want to run through a brick wall for him. "Rice’s schedule features a challenging American Conference slate, including Memphis, Navy, and UTSA — all coming off bowl wins — plus non-conference matchups against Louisiana and Houston. 

The Owls open the season on August 30 at Louisiana, marking their first road trip there since 1988. With a blend of veteran leadership, talented transfers, and a new offensive identity, the Owls aim to start strong in 2025.