Rice University Athletics
Photo by: Maria Lysaker | Rice Athletics
Pierce Adds 11 to Roster
8/28/2026 8:42:00 AM | Baseball
17 newcomers on fall roster
Houston: Bixby Family Head Baseball Coach David Pierce welcomed 17 additions to the program, including 11 new signees, to campus for the start of the fall semester this week.
"We're excited to announce our finalized 2026-2027 recruiting class. These additions continue our momentum to restore Rice Baseball to national prominence," Pierce said, "Each player brings a foundation of competitiveness and a desire to win. All 11 signees are 'Rice Guys' who will win on the field, in the classroom, and in life. We look forward to having each of these individuals play a significant role on our team this year."
Five of the 11 come from the high school ranks, four are transfers from four-year colleges, and two are from junior colleges. Seven are from Texas, two from Florida, and one each from California and North Carolina.
The 11 newcomers join the six signees for the 2027 season (Brandon Creek, Kahaku Harrison, Oliver Minyard, Parker Mitzel, Ethan Rivers, and Isaac Roblens) who were announced in the fall.
Judson Dowell OF R-R 6-0 200 Fr. Houston (The Bennett School)
Hit .400 with 13 homers and 41 RBI to help spark The Bennett School to a National Academies Association championship in its first season… The Rebels finished 35-9 under coach Scott Moore in their debut season as a baseball academy in Houston… Played for the Rangers in the 2025 Area Code games after earning repeat All-District 18-6A honors as a junior at Lamar High School… Earned All-District 18-6A honors as a sophomore and was invited to participate in USA Baseball's 16U/17U National Team Development Program.
Pierce on Dowell: "Judson is one of the best high school players in the state and a local talent that we're excited to keep home. Judson brings a physical presence and athletic ability that gives him a chance to compete for an everyday spot as a freshman."
Caden Mitchell C L-R 6-1 200 Jr. Celina (Celina/Weatherford)
Two-year starter for the Coyotes, hitting .299 with 10 homers and 54 RBI in 89 games… Ranked as the top JuCo catching prospect and 34th best overall by Prep Baseball Report heading into 2026… First team NTJCAC All-Conference as a utility player in 2025 after hitting .343 with five homers and 28 RBI in 40 games at both catcher and in right field… Threw out 75% of baserunners that season… Hit .456 (31x68) with four homers and 24 RBI in 23 conference games.
Pierce on Mitchell:"Caden comes from one of the best Junior College programs in the country and is a physical, left-handed-hitting backstop that can really defend. He comes to Rice with two years of experience handling a highly respected pitching staff, and brings a mature leadership mentality that we're looking for behind the plate"
Grant Nicholson RHP R-R 6-5 205 So. Charlotte, NC (Charlotte Christian/Wake
Made five appearances as a true freshman and did not allow a run in his final four relief appearances… Retired both hitters vs. Clemson on 4/1, one with his first career strikeout, for his longest outing…. Struck out one and walked another vs. Pitt and struck out his only batter vs. North Carolina Greensboro on 4/21… Pitched for the Amsterdam Mohawks in the Perfect Game College League last summer, and was 5-0 with a 5.27 ERA and 41 strikeouts in 27.1 innings… Pitched Amsterdam into the conference finals by striking out 11 in five innings vs. Utica.
Pierce on Nicholson: "Grant is a right-handed pitcher from North Carolina who has been up to 95 with real secondary stuff. He brings a different look to our pitching staff, and we're thrilled to have him on campus to compete for a high-impact role.
Rivers Kurland LHP L-L 5-11 185 So. Tampa, FL (Berkeley Prep/Florida)
Did not see action in his freshman season at Florida…Made three appearances for Harwich in the Cape Cod League (0-1, 6.75 ERA, 4.0 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 BB, 3 K)… 2A All-State selection as a senior for coach Richie Warren, leading the Buccaneers to the state title game, where they lost 1-0 despite a complete game from Kurland… Posted a 0.42 ERA and struck out 118 in 83 innings… Broke the Berkeley career strikeout mark in his junior season and finished with 387 in 280.2 innings in his career, along with 27 wins, a 1.35 ERA, and a .177 OBA .
Pierce on Kurland: "Rivers is another addition from Florida that we feel has the ability to make an immediate impact as soon as he sets foot on campus. His competitive mentality and ability to pound the strike zone give him a chance to compete for a weekend spot for our team."
Zachary Gingrich OF L-R 6-1 200 So. San Antonio (Smithson Valley/Texas State)
Played in 51 games in two seasons at Texas State… Made 34 starts in left field as a freshman… San Antonio Express-News 2024 Male Athlete of the Year as a standout in both baseball and football at Smithson Valley High School… All-District 26-5A first team as a pitcher his senior year and played in the 2024 THSBCA All-Star Game.
Pierce on Gingrich: "Zach is a phenomenal athlete who can impact the game in many ways. He can drive the ball to both gaps and run any ball down in the outfield. Zach raises the ceiling of the athletic ability on our team, and we're excited to watch him compete for a spot in our lineup."
Brady Ladusau OF R-R 6-2 222 So. Rockwall (Heath/Abilene Christian)
Played in 53 games (50 starts) while hitting .292 with five home runs and 37 RBI as a freshman at Abilene Christian and set a program record for true freshmen with his five homers… Set the mark with a pair of longballs vs. Indiana on 4/18 while scoring five runs… Slammed a walk-off homer vs. California Baptist on 4/2… Was 2x10 in three games vs. Rice (3/6-8) to drop his average to a season-low .250, then hit .302 over his final 39 games, with all five of his home runs, 32 RBI, and 28 runs
Pierce on Ladusau :"Brady is a hardworking individual who got a lot of time as a freshman at Abilene Christian. He hit .350 against left-handed pitchers and has bat-to-ball skills that make him a tough out for any opposing pitcher. Brady plays the game hard and will improve our lineup from Day 1."
David Wilson LHP L-L 5-10 180 Jr. Bullard (Bullard/Angelina)
Posted a 2-2 record and 4.74 ERA while striking out 40 in 39.1 innings in two seasons at Angelina…Selected to play in the 2025 Texas-New Mexico JUCO All-Star Game… Consensus All-State as a senior at Celina High School for coach Robert Ellis. Struck out 72 in 66 innings and was 9-3 as a senior on the mound while hitting .414.
Pierce on Wilson: "David is a left-handed pitcher who is up to 93mph and can get a lot of swing and miss with his fastball. He is a worker and a competitor, and we're thrilled to have him on campus to compete for a role on our staff."
Evan DePodesta C R-R 5-10 180 Fr. San Diego, CA (Cathedral Catholic)
Starting catcher for coach Gary Remiker and the Dons, who finished 29-7 and reached the Southern California Regional Division I title game before falling to Huntington Beach… Dons saw 12 seniors in addition to DePodesta move on to the collegiate ranks…. Was behind the plate for the first no-hitter in Cathedral Catholic history as the Dons defeated University City to clinch a share of the Western League Championship and earn the top seed in the CIF San Diego Open Division playoffs…. Father, Paul, currently serves as the president of baseball operations for the Colorado Rockies.
Pierce on DePodesta: "Evan comes from a baseball family and a highly respected high school baseball program out of California. He possesses a high baseball IQ, great work ethic, and the ability to make everyone around him better."
Gabe Rozenfeld LHP L-L 6-3 200 Fr. West Palm Beach, FL (American Heritage)
First team All-District 15-4A and named to the Ft Lauderdale Sun Sentinel's All-Broward County team as a senior for coach Bruce Aven after posting a 4-0 record, and 0.80 ERA while striking out 39 in 26 innings. ERA ranked fourth in District 15-4A.
Pierce on Rozenfeld: "Gabe is a freshman left-handed pitcher up to 93 that's just scratching the surface of his future potential on the mound. We're excited to have him on campus and think that his ability will significantly impact our pitching staff."
Silas Newport OF L-L 5-11 186 Fr. Cypress (Strake Jesuit)
District 22-6A co-MVP as a senior after hitting .340 with an OPS of .963, scoring 52 runs and driving in 28 for coach Raul Garcia-Rameau as the Crusaders captured the district title… Named to VYPE's All-Houston team as a senior and was a finalist for their Houston Player of the Year honor… Three-time all-district selection who hit .341 in his career.
Pierce on Newport: "Silas is a local Houston talent who plays the game hard with a high baseball IQ. As a three-year starter at Strake Jesuit, he has the ability to hit the ball to both gaps and is always looking for a way to take the next base. Silas is a ballplayer, and we're excited to see him compete for a spot in our lineup."
Juliocesar Hernandez RHP R-R 5-11 200 Fr. Laredo (Laredo)
Named to the Laredo City Times All- City team as both a pitcher and DH as a senior, striking out 53 in 38 innings and posting a 1.23 ERA on the mound and batting .440… Helped spark Alexander to its 16th District 30-6A title as a junior and was the district newcomer of the year as a sophomore in 2024, posting a 1.21 ERA and 46 strikeouts as the Bulldogs reached the regional quarterfinals.
Pierce on Hernandez: "Juliocesar is a strike-throwing right-handed pitcher from the valley who has been up to 91. He is a baseball player who has performed consistently year over year for his high school. We're excited to add a proven winner and performer to our pitching staff."
"We're excited to announce our finalized 2026-2027 recruiting class. These additions continue our momentum to restore Rice Baseball to national prominence," Pierce said, "Each player brings a foundation of competitiveness and a desire to win. All 11 signees are 'Rice Guys' who will win on the field, in the classroom, and in life. We look forward to having each of these individuals play a significant role on our team this year."
Five of the 11 come from the high school ranks, four are transfers from four-year colleges, and two are from junior colleges. Seven are from Texas, two from Florida, and one each from California and North Carolina.
The 11 newcomers join the six signees for the 2027 season (Brandon Creek, Kahaku Harrison, Oliver Minyard, Parker Mitzel, Ethan Rivers, and Isaac Roblens) who were announced in the fall.
| NAME | POS | HT | WT | B/T | HOMETOWN / HS / PREVIOUS SCHOOL |
| Judson Dowell | OF | 6-0 | 200 | R/R | Houston, Texas/The Bennett School |
| Caden Mitchell | C | 6-1 | 200 | L/R | Celina, Texas/Celina/Weatherford |
| Grant Nicholson | RHP | 6-5 | 205 | R/R | Charlotte, North Carolina/Charlotte Christian/Wake Forest |
| Rivers Kurland | LHP | 5-11 | 185 | R/R | Tampa, Florida/Berkeley Prep/Florida |
| Zachary Gingrich | OF | 6-1 | 200 | L/R | San Antonio, Texas/ Smithson Valley/Texas State |
| Brady Ladusau | OF | 6-2 | 222 | R/R | Rockwall, Texas/Heath/Abilene Christian |
| David Wilson | LHP | 5-10 | 180 | L/L | Bullard, Texas/Bullard/Angelina |
| Evan DePodesta | C | 5-10 | 180 | R/R | San Diego, California/Cathedral Catholic |
| Gabe Rozenfeld | LHP | 6-3 | 200 | L/L | West Palm Beach, Florida/American Heritage |
| Silas Newport | OF | 5-11 | 186 | L/L | Cypress, Texas/Strake Jesuit |
| Juliocesar Hernandez | RHP | 5-11 | 200 | R/R | Laredo, Texas/ Laredo |
Judson Dowell OF R-R 6-0 200 Fr. Houston (The Bennett School)
Hit .400 with 13 homers and 41 RBI to help spark The Bennett School to a National Academies Association championship in its first season… The Rebels finished 35-9 under coach Scott Moore in their debut season as a baseball academy in Houston… Played for the Rangers in the 2025 Area Code games after earning repeat All-District 18-6A honors as a junior at Lamar High School… Earned All-District 18-6A honors as a sophomore and was invited to participate in USA Baseball's 16U/17U National Team Development Program.
Pierce on Dowell: "Judson is one of the best high school players in the state and a local talent that we're excited to keep home. Judson brings a physical presence and athletic ability that gives him a chance to compete for an everyday spot as a freshman."
Caden Mitchell C L-R 6-1 200 Jr. Celina (Celina/Weatherford)
Two-year starter for the Coyotes, hitting .299 with 10 homers and 54 RBI in 89 games… Ranked as the top JuCo catching prospect and 34th best overall by Prep Baseball Report heading into 2026… First team NTJCAC All-Conference as a utility player in 2025 after hitting .343 with five homers and 28 RBI in 40 games at both catcher and in right field… Threw out 75% of baserunners that season… Hit .456 (31x68) with four homers and 24 RBI in 23 conference games.
Pierce on Mitchell:"Caden comes from one of the best Junior College programs in the country and is a physical, left-handed-hitting backstop that can really defend. He comes to Rice with two years of experience handling a highly respected pitching staff, and brings a mature leadership mentality that we're looking for behind the plate"
Grant Nicholson RHP R-R 6-5 205 So. Charlotte, NC (Charlotte Christian/Wake
Made five appearances as a true freshman and did not allow a run in his final four relief appearances… Retired both hitters vs. Clemson on 4/1, one with his first career strikeout, for his longest outing…. Struck out one and walked another vs. Pitt and struck out his only batter vs. North Carolina Greensboro on 4/21… Pitched for the Amsterdam Mohawks in the Perfect Game College League last summer, and was 5-0 with a 5.27 ERA and 41 strikeouts in 27.1 innings… Pitched Amsterdam into the conference finals by striking out 11 in five innings vs. Utica.
Pierce on Nicholson: "Grant is a right-handed pitcher from North Carolina who has been up to 95 with real secondary stuff. He brings a different look to our pitching staff, and we're thrilled to have him on campus to compete for a high-impact role.
Rivers Kurland LHP L-L 5-11 185 So. Tampa, FL (Berkeley Prep/Florida)
Did not see action in his freshman season at Florida…Made three appearances for Harwich in the Cape Cod League (0-1, 6.75 ERA, 4.0 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 BB, 3 K)… 2A All-State selection as a senior for coach Richie Warren, leading the Buccaneers to the state title game, where they lost 1-0 despite a complete game from Kurland… Posted a 0.42 ERA and struck out 118 in 83 innings… Broke the Berkeley career strikeout mark in his junior season and finished with 387 in 280.2 innings in his career, along with 27 wins, a 1.35 ERA, and a .177 OBA .
Pierce on Kurland: "Rivers is another addition from Florida that we feel has the ability to make an immediate impact as soon as he sets foot on campus. His competitive mentality and ability to pound the strike zone give him a chance to compete for a weekend spot for our team."
Zachary Gingrich OF L-R 6-1 200 So. San Antonio (Smithson Valley/Texas State)
Played in 51 games in two seasons at Texas State… Made 34 starts in left field as a freshman… San Antonio Express-News 2024 Male Athlete of the Year as a standout in both baseball and football at Smithson Valley High School… All-District 26-5A first team as a pitcher his senior year and played in the 2024 THSBCA All-Star Game.
Pierce on Gingrich: "Zach is a phenomenal athlete who can impact the game in many ways. He can drive the ball to both gaps and run any ball down in the outfield. Zach raises the ceiling of the athletic ability on our team, and we're excited to watch him compete for a spot in our lineup."
Brady Ladusau OF R-R 6-2 222 So. Rockwall (Heath/Abilene Christian)
Played in 53 games (50 starts) while hitting .292 with five home runs and 37 RBI as a freshman at Abilene Christian and set a program record for true freshmen with his five homers… Set the mark with a pair of longballs vs. Indiana on 4/18 while scoring five runs… Slammed a walk-off homer vs. California Baptist on 4/2… Was 2x10 in three games vs. Rice (3/6-8) to drop his average to a season-low .250, then hit .302 over his final 39 games, with all five of his home runs, 32 RBI, and 28 runs
Pierce on Ladusau :"Brady is a hardworking individual who got a lot of time as a freshman at Abilene Christian. He hit .350 against left-handed pitchers and has bat-to-ball skills that make him a tough out for any opposing pitcher. Brady plays the game hard and will improve our lineup from Day 1."
David Wilson LHP L-L 5-10 180 Jr. Bullard (Bullard/Angelina)
Posted a 2-2 record and 4.74 ERA while striking out 40 in 39.1 innings in two seasons at Angelina…Selected to play in the 2025 Texas-New Mexico JUCO All-Star Game… Consensus All-State as a senior at Celina High School for coach Robert Ellis. Struck out 72 in 66 innings and was 9-3 as a senior on the mound while hitting .414.
Pierce on Wilson: "David is a left-handed pitcher who is up to 93mph and can get a lot of swing and miss with his fastball. He is a worker and a competitor, and we're thrilled to have him on campus to compete for a role on our staff."
Evan DePodesta C R-R 5-10 180 Fr. San Diego, CA (Cathedral Catholic)
Starting catcher for coach Gary Remiker and the Dons, who finished 29-7 and reached the Southern California Regional Division I title game before falling to Huntington Beach… Dons saw 12 seniors in addition to DePodesta move on to the collegiate ranks…. Was behind the plate for the first no-hitter in Cathedral Catholic history as the Dons defeated University City to clinch a share of the Western League Championship and earn the top seed in the CIF San Diego Open Division playoffs…. Father, Paul, currently serves as the president of baseball operations for the Colorado Rockies.
Pierce on DePodesta: "Evan comes from a baseball family and a highly respected high school baseball program out of California. He possesses a high baseball IQ, great work ethic, and the ability to make everyone around him better."
Gabe Rozenfeld LHP L-L 6-3 200 Fr. West Palm Beach, FL (American Heritage)
First team All-District 15-4A and named to the Ft Lauderdale Sun Sentinel's All-Broward County team as a senior for coach Bruce Aven after posting a 4-0 record, and 0.80 ERA while striking out 39 in 26 innings. ERA ranked fourth in District 15-4A.
Pierce on Rozenfeld: "Gabe is a freshman left-handed pitcher up to 93 that's just scratching the surface of his future potential on the mound. We're excited to have him on campus and think that his ability will significantly impact our pitching staff."
Silas Newport OF L-L 5-11 186 Fr. Cypress (Strake Jesuit)
District 22-6A co-MVP as a senior after hitting .340 with an OPS of .963, scoring 52 runs and driving in 28 for coach Raul Garcia-Rameau as the Crusaders captured the district title… Named to VYPE's All-Houston team as a senior and was a finalist for their Houston Player of the Year honor… Three-time all-district selection who hit .341 in his career.
Pierce on Newport: "Silas is a local Houston talent who plays the game hard with a high baseball IQ. As a three-year starter at Strake Jesuit, he has the ability to hit the ball to both gaps and is always looking for a way to take the next base. Silas is a ballplayer, and we're excited to see him compete for a spot in our lineup."
Juliocesar Hernandez RHP R-R 5-11 200 Fr. Laredo (Laredo)
Named to the Laredo City Times All- City team as both a pitcher and DH as a senior, striking out 53 in 38 innings and posting a 1.23 ERA on the mound and batting .440… Helped spark Alexander to its 16th District 30-6A title as a junior and was the district newcomer of the year as a sophomore in 2024, posting a 1.21 ERA and 46 strikeouts as the Bulldogs reached the regional quarterfinals.
Pierce on Hernandez: "Juliocesar is a strike-throwing right-handed pitcher from the valley who has been up to 91. He is a baseball player who has performed consistently year over year for his high school. We're excited to add a proven winner and performer to our pitching staff."
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