RETURNING STANDOUT

As Lincoln transitions to a new quarterback, expect RB/LB Connor Rice to become an even bigger focal point of the offense. The senior proved last fall he can handle a heavy workload, rushing for 744 yards and 11 touchdowns while adding another 22 catches for 190 yards and three scores. Rice’s versatility allows the Cougars to move him around and find different ways to get the ball in his hands, making him one of the toughest players on the roster to game plan for. He’s equally valuable on defense, where he recorded 50 tackles, a sack, 1.5 tackles for loss, and a pass breakup at linebacker. Rice is the type of dependable two-way player every successful team needs and should be in line for another productive season as a senior.

Connor Rice Connor Rice 6'0" | 195 lbs | LB Lincoln | 2027 State WV heads into his senior season at Lincoln with real momentum after a productive junior campaign that showed he’s more than just the next name in line. Following his older brother’s standout career, Rice carved out his own identity in 2025 as a true two-way contributor. Offensively, he handled 167 carries for 744 yards and 11 touchdowns, added 22 receptions for 190 yards and three more scores, and consistently gave the Cougars a dependable presence with the ball in his hands. Defensively, he posted 50 tackles along with a sack, 1.5 tackles for loss, and a pass deflection, flashing the physicality and motor you want at linebacker. That’s still where his long-term upside feels strongest, but his versatility is part of the appeal. If continued growth comes, Rice has the makeup and production profile to push himself firmly into the upper tier of the 2027 linebacker class.

The Lincoln Cougars will have another Rice brother making plays on Friday nights with Connor Rice Connor Rice 6'0" | 195 lbs | LB Lincoln | 2027 State WV being the next up. Older brother Aidan had a great career for Lincoln capped by a tremendous senior year this season, and Connor appears to be headed in a similar trajectory. He had a successful sophomore season in 2024 that he’ll build on heading into his junior year as a two-way player that can change games on both sides of the ball. Linebacker is where we like Rice right now, but he’ll be a playmaker on offense as well just like his older brother was. Rice is a plus athlete who will continue to raise his ceiling as he adds size and has all of the tools to develop into a top LB prospect in the 2027 class.