Rice coach Scott Abell says opener vs. Houston Christian will provide answers for Owls
· Yahoo Sports
Like a majority of the college football programs across the nation, the 2026 Rice season begins this weekend.
Visit biznow.biz for more information.
For the Owls, their campaign begins against Houston Christian at 6 p.m. at Rice Stadium.
"There's more juice this week, we get an opener before our home crowd," second-year Owls head coach Scott Abell said. "I love Week 1. It's an opportunity to reflect on how the team has come together.
"We will see if we accomplished what we needed to in camp. This Saturday will answer a lot of our questions."
SEASON PREVIEW:After rebuild, can Rice end decade-long wait?
Abell is looking to become the first Owls head coach to win his first two season openers since Fred Goldsmith. Under Goldsmith, Rice defeated SMU 35-6 in Dallas in 1989, his debut as a head coach, and then beat Wake Forest 33-17 at home the following season.
In Abell's first season at Rice, the Owls finished 5-8 overall and 2-6 in the American.
One major difference in year 2 from year 1 at Rice is Abell plans on seeing a lot of Owls in action throughout the season.
"We are going to be committed to playing a lot of guys on Saturday," Abell said.
Quinton Jackson moves to receiver
One of the biggest position changes for Rice in 2026 is Quinton Jackson switching from running back to receiver.
A redshirt senior from Fort Worth North Crowley, the 5-foot-9, 175-pounder has been impactful in his Owls tenure, whether it be running the ball, catching passes out of the backfield, or in kickoff returns.
A year ago, Jackson led the Owls in rushing (889 yards), all-purpose yards (1,225) and kickoff return yardage (262), tying for the team lead with seven touchdowns.
Jackson's role has changed in 2026, but not his attitude.
"In year five, I want to finish this year the right way," Jackson said. "I want to win football games and win a (conference) championship in my final year. I want to do my part for the team, whether it's running routes or blocking down the field."
Flying under the radar
Two players Abell said that have not been talked about a lot that are expected to be major contributors are a pair of transfers in tight end Preston Zinter (Notre Dame) and safety Koa Akui (Sacramento State).
Zinter (6-1, 254) played mostly on special teams for the Fighting Irish. The redshirt junior is expected to be impactful in the blocking scheme as well as catching the ball.
Akui (5-10, 193) is a graduate student, coming off an All-Big Sky selection in 2025, when he was second on the team with 65 tackles.
"Akui is always around the football," Abell said. "We are going to be physical and those two guys match that."
HCU picks up honors
Saturday's opponent Houston Christian won its season opener 34-28 last Thursday at Southeastern Louisiana.
"HCU got a game under its belt," Abell said. "They are coming in with a lot of confidence."
The Huskies' Jayven Anderson, Lukasz Smolen and Cutter Stewart swept the Southland Conference's weekly awards in Week 0.
Six of Anderson's nine tackles were for loss. He was credited with a sack, one forced fumble and a blocked field goal. Stewart rushed for a game-high 95 yards and added a pair of touchdown passes. Five of his 10 completions were for at least 15 yards with a long of 66 yards to Jamaal Hall II for a score.
Smolen did double duty for the Huskies. He was 2-for-2 on field-goal attempts (30, 32 yards) and 4-for-4 on extra-point attempts. He punted twice in the win, averaging 44.5 yards.
20-year reunion
The 2006 Rice football team, which made an improbable run following a slow start to the season to end a 45-year bowl hiatus, will be recognized this weekend.
Rice began 1-5 that year before winning six consecutive regular-season games. The journey concluded with a 41-17 loss to Troy in the New Orleans Bowl.
Activities begin Friday night at the annual Huddle Up event, followed by on-field recognition during Saturday's game.
Subscribe
There’s more to Houston with the Chronicle. Subscribe today for just 25¢.This article originally published at Rice coach Scott Abell says opener vs. Houston Christian will provide answers for Owls.