Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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BLUEGOLDONLINE.COM SEPT. 12, 2026 33 GAME PREVIEW: RICE match the DNA I have talked about all offseason," Abell said. "We're going to be tougher. We're going to be physical. Those two guys match that." FINISHING THE MISSION Despite all the player turnover since the transition from head coach Mike Bloomgreen, who never had a winning season in seven years, the Owls still have veteran leaders who haven't wavered in their commitment to the program. Three of Rice's four captains this season are fifth-year seniors who have devoted their entire college careers to the Owls: slot receiver Quinton Jackson, defensive end Chibby Nwajuaku and safety Daveon Hook. There's a lot of pride within that trio of former in-state recruits. "I came to Rice to change the culture and do something that's never been done here," Nwajuaku said. "I believe this is the year that we're going to get that done. I'm really excited for the sea- son and just to set the tone for what Rice football will be in the future." Jackson, who was also a captain last season, received team MVP honors after leading the Owls in rushing (889 yards) and kick return yardage (262). Jackson scored 7 touchdowns last season, but his final campaign at Rice will come at a new position. He's moved from his primary running back role into the slot. "Slot is completely different from run- ning back, but it's pretty much the same thing in this offense," Jackson said. "Going out there, just doing my one-eleventh, doing my part for my team, trying to be as explosive as I can with the ball in my hands and without the ball in my hands. Whether that's get my teammates open with route running or perimeter blocking." Jackson's willingness to change po- sitions exemplifies the culture Abell wants to build in his program. Jackson recorded more rushing yards last season than any Rice player since 2014, but he embraced a new challenge. "I want to finish it the right way," Jackson said. "Coming out, we haven't 2026 NOTRE DAME SCHEDULE Date Opponent (TV) Result/Time (ET) Sept. 6 vs. Wisconsin* W, 41-13 Sept. 12 Rice (NBC) 3:30 p.m. Sept. 19 Michigan State (NBC) 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at Purdue TBA Oct. 3 at North Carolina TBA Oct. 10 Stanford (NBC) 3:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at BYU TBA Oct. 31 vs. Navy^ (ABC/ESPN) 12 p.m. Nov. 7 Miami (NBC) 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14 Boston College (NBC) 3:30 p.m. Nov. 21 SMU (NBC) 7:30 p.m. Nov. 28 at Syracuse TBA * at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. ^ at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. Facts & Figures NOTRE DAME VS. RICE Date: Sept. 12, 2026 Site: Notre Dame Stadium (77,622) Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET Television: NBC Radio: This game can be heard on Notre Dame IMG affiliates. Series Facts: Notre Dame leads 5-0. Head coaches: Rice — Scott Abell (6-8, 2nd season); Notre Dame — Marcus Freeman (44-12, 5th season). Noting Rice: The Owls returned just three starters on offense and two starters on defense from last season … Offensive tackle Luke Miller started all 13 games and led Rice in offensive snaps last season with 828 ... Rice's roster boasts 58 players who finished their high school careers in Texas … Five current players were named to Phil Steele's preseason All-American Conference teams: slot receiver Quinton Jackson and safety Daveon Hook on the second team, cornerback Jamir Benjamin and defensive tackle Dillan Botts on the third team and Miller on the fourth team. Quarterback Jacurri Brown spent two seasons with Miami and two more with UCF before transferring to Rice. PHOTO COURTESY RICE ATHLETICS 2026 RICE SCHEDULE Date Opponent (TV) Result/Time (ET) Sept. 5 Houston Christian W, 31-3 Sept. 12 at Notre Dame (NBC) 3:30 p.m. Sept. 19 Western Michigan (ESPN+) 7 p.m. Sept. 26 at Fresno State (The CW) 10 p.m. Oct. 3 UTSA TBA Oct. 10 at East Carolina TBA Oct. 17 Tulsa TBA Oct. 24 at Florida Atlantic TBA Nov. 7 at North Texas TBA Nov. 14 Tulane TBA Nov. 19 at Temple (ESPN) 7:30 p.m. Nov. 28 Army TBA