Players to watch for Rice: Luke McCaffrey

The younger brother of Christian McCaffrey will figure prominently in Rice’s offense against USC.

On June 14, 2021, former Nebraska quarterback Luke McCaffrey announced he would transfer to Rice and make the transition from quarterback to wide receiver. McCaffrey had transferred to Louisville from Nebraska earlier in the offseason, but he landed with the Owls. He has already been named a starting receiver for the team’s road opener at USC on Sept. 3.

McCaffrey was ranked the nation’s No. 142 overall prospect by ESPN.com, which listed him as the top prospect in Colorado and the No. 5 dual-threat quarterback in the country. He was also the top player in Colorado, the No. 11 athlete prospect in the nation, and among the top 300 players in the nation in the 247Sports Composite rankings.

He played in seven of eight games, including two starts at quarterback. McCaffrey completed 48-of-76 passes for 466 yards and one touchdown while rushing 65 times for 364 yards and three touchdowns.

Rice head coach Mike Bloomgren and offensive coordinator Marques Tuiasosopo presented the opportunity to McCaffrey to switch positions prior to spring practices. Rice is now looking for McCaffrey to be a huge threat for this offense. The former four-star recruit and younger brother of All-Pro Carolina Panther running back Christian McCaffrey is going to be the Owls’ gadget player at the receiver spot.

Luke McCaffrey told Underdog Dynasty how he feels about this new reality.

“One thing that I’m super thankful for about Coach Bloom and Coach Tui is they really left the decision to me,” McCaffrey said. “They never pressured me into switching positions. I just felt like where I was at in my career and what I wanted, it was the best decision for me to switch. To make that transition, it’s been an awesome decision and the way it was done through Coach Bloom and Coach Tui is something I’m so thankful for.” –

Expect Luke McCaffrey to shine in the opener this season. He could be a true X-factor for the Owls. For Rice it starts on offense: The Owls have to find a way to keep up with the Men of Troy’s loaded offense on Saturday.

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