The 6-7 Rice Owls finished the season 6th in the American Conference and lost in the First Responder Bowl to Texas State.
Their defense performed well. They didn’t allow that many yards but gave up a lot of points. They were 52nd in yards per game with 364.7 and 83rd in points per game with 28.1.
Unfortunately for the defense, their best defensive player entered the transfer portal.
The Rice Owls lose their elite defensive tackle to the transfer portal.
De’Braylon Carroll announced on Twitter/X that he entered the transfer portal as a graduate transfer with one year of eligibility remaining.
“First and foremost, I want to give all the glory and honor to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for blessing me with the talent and opportunity to play the game that I love. I am grateful for my time at Rice and the relationships that I have made that will last a lifetime. I want to say thank you to Coach Bloomgren, Coach Calhoun, and Coach Smith for believing in me and giving me a chance. I also want to thank every coach and staff member who has helped me become the man I am today.
After a lot of thought, prayers, and talks with those close to me, I will be entering the transfer portal with one year of eligibility remaining. I can’t wait to find a new home and get to work.”
Here’s what Carroll accomplished at Rice.
Pre-Injury 2019-2020:
De’Braylon Carroll committed to the Rice Owls as a three-star recruit for the 2019 season. He had 13 tackles, 2.5 for a loss, and one sack in 2019.
He was part of PFF’s All-Freshman of the Year third team.
Carroll had 21 tackles, three for a loss, and 1.5 sacks in 2020.
Injury 2021:
Carroll suffered a lower leg injury during summer practice and missed the entire season.
Post-Injury 2022-23:
Carroll returned to action in 2022. He had 20 tackles, 4.5 for a loss, and one sack.
Carroll broke out in 2023. He had 47 tackles, nine for a loss, and 3.5 sacks.
His offers so far:
De’Braylon Carroll has received multiple offers. Carroll received an offer from the North Texas Mean Green, the Texas Tech Red Raiders, the Houston Cougars, and the Utah State Aggies.
He is considered one of the better interior defensive linemen in the G-5. Don’t be surprised if Carroll gets more offers.
What team will acquire the gifted defensive tackle, and will his draft stock for 2025 go up if he signs with a Power Five Conference?
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