
JC Davis Leads Rice Owls to Record‑Breaking 2026 Season
Rice University’s baseball team capped a remarkable 2026 campaign, driven by standout performances from JC Davis, Paul Smith, Tanner Wiggins and Ethan Sanders
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Rice University’s baseball team capped a remarkable 2026 campaign, driven by standout performances from JC Davis, Paul Smith, Tanner Wiggins and Ethan Sanders

JC Davis was named the 2026 Dell Morgan Award winner as the Owls' MVP, while Paul Smith, Tanner Wiggins and Ethan Sanders collected major conference honors that underscored Rice University's most successful season in a decade.

The Rice Owls dropped a 4-3 decision to East Carolina on Friday night at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, Florida, a loss that puts their championship hopes on the line.

The Rice baseball team lost 4-3 to East Carolina in the American Conference Tournament, leaving them facing elimination against UAB.

East Carolina survived a late rally to beat Rice 4‑3, advancing to meet the winner of the UTSA‑Memphis matchup, while Rice now faces UAB in a do‑or‑die game.

Sophomore outfielder Jason Wachs was selected to the American Conference’s 2026 First Team All-Conference after leading the Green Wave in multiple offensive categories and starting every game this season.

Tulane secured a 6‑5 victory over Rice after an 11‑inning showdown at Reckling Park, highlighted by Jason Wachs’s early homer and a decisive late rally.

The Owls erupted early, built a comfortable lead, and held off a late Tulane rally to improve to 33-22 and lock a top-three seed in next week’s American Conference Baseball Championship.

Tulane’s 12‑0 loss at Rice highlights pitching woes and a stagnant offense, pushing the Green Wave’s record to 4‑20 in early‑inning games.

With the regular season winding down, Tulane's baseball squad faces Rice in a high‑stakes series that could shape both teams' postseason hopes.