Rice-ECU Kickoff Now Set for Noon

During the game between the UTSA Roadrunners and the Rice Owls at First Community Stadium, Oct. 3, 2026. Mandatory Credit: Karen Warren | Rice Athletics

Photo by: Karen Warren | Rice Athletics

10/9/2026 9:05:00 AM | Football

Start time moved up due to weather concerns

By: Chuck Pool (cpool@rice.edu)

The start time for Saturday's football game between Rice and East Carolina has been moved up to 12 noon (central) due to weather concerns for later Saturday from Hurricane Isaias. The game will still be broadcast on ESPN+.

This will be the Owls' first trip to face the Pirates in Greenville since 2009 and the third time in the series. Each school is undefeated at home in the five-game series, with Rice holding a 3-0 edge in Houston and ECU a 2-0 lead at home.

Rice returns home to First Community Stadium on October 17 when the Owls host Tulsa at 3:30 for Owltoberfest and the Residential Colleges Challenge.

Tickets for each of the Owls' three remaining home games with Tulsa, Tulane (November 14) and Army (November 28) can be purchased on RiceOwls.com.