Scott Abell’s goal in Year 1 as the head coach at Rice was to install his offense, establish a new culture, and reach a bowl game. He checked each of those boxes in 2025 and wants more in 2026. The Owls haven’t posted a winning season since 2014, the last year they won a bowl game. The goals heading into Year 2 are to finish in the top half of the conference and finish with a winning record, and hopefully that includes a bowl win.
I sat down with Abell, DC Jon Kay, safety Daveon Hook, and running back Quinton Jackson during the 2026 summer magazine stop, but not after enjoying a crunchy chicken sandwich and red potato salad at Local Foods near Rice Village. If you’re ever in Houston, I strongly suggest spending an hour walking around Rice’s campus, as well. It’s awesome and you might just stumble into the hidden beer bar if that’s your thing.