The start of the Rice football season has been pushed back to Sept. 26.
The move allows school administrators to continue monitoring the COVID-19 situation as well as developments in athletic competition around the country, Rice Director of Athletics Joe Karlgaard said.
Rice, which had been slated to kick off the season Sept. 3 at the University of Houston and play its home opener Sept. 12 against Army, will now start with Lamar University Sept. 26 at Rice Stadium. Rice is examining possible replacement dates for the Houston and Army games later in the season.
A meeting with Louisiana State University at Houston's NRG Stadium, originally scheduled for Sept. 19, was canceled in late July after the Southeastern Conference voted to play only conference games this season.
"Our student athletes are driven to compete at the highest levels and work very hard to realize their full athletic potential," Karlgaard said. "Our decisions are guided by an understanding that while we crave competition, we have a responsibility for the safety and health — both short and long term — of our student athletes, coaches, staff and everyone in the Rice community. We must assure that the measures and protections in place are consistent with the overall posture of the university."
Karlgaard said he will continue to evaluate the situation regarding other fall sports and will make further announcements as more information becomes available.
For updates, visit RiceOwls.com.