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Rice University Athletics
Owls Set for Three at Night to Open 2026
5/27/2026 1:20:00 PM | Football
Two prime time games announced
Houston: Rice will open its 115th season of football under the lights at Rice Stadium on September 5, when the Owls take on the HCU Huskies at 6 p.m., the first of three night games during the Owls' non-conference slate in September.
The American Conference announced on Wednesday kickoff times and television designations for the first three weeks of the 2026 football season, as well as the Owls' two prime-time games on ESPN networks.
In addition to the home opener with HCU, Rice's first regular-season meeting with Western Michigan on September 19 at Rice Stadium will also be carried on ESPN+ and kick off at 6 p.m. The Owls are scheduled for a pair of primetime appearances, beginning with a trip west to face Fresno State on September 26, with national coverage on the CW as part of the Pac-12's prime time broadcast lineup.
Rice and Temple's first meeting in football will be ESPN's Thursday night offering on November 19, with kickoff set in Philadelphia at 6:30. NBC and Notre Dame previously announced that Rice's return to South Bend on September 12 will kick off at 2:30.
Game time assignments for the seven remaining games on Rice's 2026 American Conference schedule, including home contests against UTSA (October 3), Tulsa (October 25), Tulane (November 14), and Army (November 28), will be released every week through the season by The American as part of the conference's 12-day selection process.
Season ticket packages start at $109 per seat, providing fans with the best value for their money and a family-friendly viewing experience at college football's highest level. Those interested in purchasing season tickets should secure their seats now by visiting RiceOwls.com/26FBTix or calling (713) 348-OWLS (6957).
The American Conference announced on Wednesday kickoff times and television designations for the first three weeks of the 2026 football season, as well as the Owls' two prime-time games on ESPN networks.
In addition to the home opener with HCU, Rice's first regular-season meeting with Western Michigan on September 19 at Rice Stadium will also be carried on ESPN+ and kick off at 6 p.m. The Owls are scheduled for a pair of primetime appearances, beginning with a trip west to face Fresno State on September 26, with national coverage on the CW as part of the Pac-12's prime time broadcast lineup.
Rice and Temple's first meeting in football will be ESPN's Thursday night offering on November 19, with kickoff set in Philadelphia at 6:30. NBC and Notre Dame previously announced that Rice's return to South Bend on September 12 will kick off at 2:30.
Game time assignments for the seven remaining games on Rice's 2026 American Conference schedule, including home contests against UTSA (October 3), Tulsa (October 25), Tulane (November 14), and Army (November 28), will be released every week through the season by The American as part of the conference's 12-day selection process.
Season ticket packages start at $109 per seat, providing fans with the best value for their money and a family-friendly viewing experience at college football's highest level. Those interested in purchasing season tickets should secure their seats now by visiting RiceOwls.com/26FBTix or calling (713) 348-OWLS (6957).
| 2026 RICE FOOTBALL SCHEDULE | ||||
| DAY | DATE | OPPONENT | TIME (CENTRAL) | NETWORK |
| Saturday | 9/5 | HCU | 6:00 PM | ESPN+ |
| Saturday | 9/12 | @Notre Dame | 2:30 PM | NBC/Peacock |
| Saturday | 9/19 | Western Michigan | 6:00 PM | ESPN+ |
| Saturday | 9/26 | @Fresno State | 9:00 PM | CW |
| Saturday | 10/3 | UTSA | TBA | ESPN networks |
| Saturday | 10/10 | @East Carolina | TBA | ESPN networks |
| Saturday | 10/17 | Tulsa | TBA | ESPN networks |
| Saturday | 10/24 | @Florida Atlantic | TBA | ESPN networks |
| Saturday | 11/7 | @North Texas | TBA | ESPN networks |
| Saturday | 11/14 | Tulane | TBA | ESPN networks |
| Thursday | 11/19 | @Temple | 6:30 | ESPN |
| Saturday | 11/28 | Army | TBA | ESPN networks |
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