The Rice Owls are back in action, and the 2025 season will be one you won’t want to miss. From rivalries that spark fireworks to road games with trap-game vibes, Rice is diving headfirst into a schedule full of chaos, challenges, and chances to shock the American Athletic Conference (AAC). Can they soar and lock in another bowl game appearance?
If the hype around their young core is real, don’t sleep on Rice—they might just be the underdog story we all talk about in November. Let’s break down every matchup on this wild ride ahead.
Rice 2025 Football Schedule
- Sat., Aug. 30: at Louisiana
- Sat., Sep. 6: vs. Houston
- Sat., Sep. 13: vs. Prairie View A&M
- Thur., Sep. 18: at Charlotte
- Sat., Sep. 27: at Navy
- Sat., Oct. 4: vs. Florida Atlantic
- Sat., Oct. 11: at UTSA
- Sat., Oct. 18: BYE WEEK
- Sat., Oct. 25: vs. UConn
- Fri., Oct 31: vs. Memphis
- Sat., Nov. 8: vs. UAB
- Sat., Nov. 15: BYE WEEK
- Sat., Nov. 22: vs. North Texas
- Sat., Nov. 29: at South Florida
*Bold Italics signifies AAC game
Rice’s season opener is no warm-up act. The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns have a rowdy fanbase and a smashmouth defense that doesn’t mess around. Rice will need to come out sharp—this is the kind of game where a fast start sets the tone for the whole year. Last season, Louisiana won 10 games for the first time since 2021.
The following week will be must-watch. The “Bayou Bucket” is back, and Rice would love nothing more than to dunk on their cross-town rivals. Houston might be in rebuild mode, but they’ve still got athletes, and the bragging rights here matter more than records.
If Rice’s offensive line holds up, this could be the coming-out party for running back Jaylen Cross, a redshirt freshman who’s been cooking in camp.
American Athletic Conference play begins on September 18 against the Charlotte 49ers. A Thursday night kickoff time could create a trap game feel.
On September 27, Rice travels to Annapolis, Maryland, to take on Navy. Their triple option offense is slippery, and it’ll test Rice’s discipline to the max. But if they survive this slugfest, it’ll build serious confidence.
𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐎𝐏𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐘.#𝐖𝐄 pic.twitter.com/3y6LmxG1kd
— Rice Football (@RiceFootball) February 24, 2025
October 4 brings an end to the two-game road trip. FAU can run, but Rice has the edge in the trenches. This is a coin-flip game that could end up as one of the best shootouts of the season.
Things are taken up a notch with a Friday night, Halloween showdown against AAC powerhouse Memphis. Look for cornerback Brandon Myles, a rising junior, to get tested early and often. This one could come down to whoever has the ball last and who isn’t haunted by missed tackles.
MORE READING: History of the Rice Owls Mascot
Senior night on November 22 brings a matchup against North Texas. Emotions will be high, but so will expectations. North Texas is unpredictable, but if Rice wants to prove they belong in the upper tier of the AAC, they’ve got to take care of business here.
Rice will cap off the regular season against South Florida on November 29. If bowl eligibility is still on the line, this team will scratch and claw to finish the job. The Bulls can be sneaky, but Rice is deeper, tougher, and—if all goes according to plan—playing their best football at the right time.
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