Magnolia star senior running back Colin Leahey isn’t straying too far to begin his collegiate football career.
Leahey announced on ‘X’ Wednesday morning that he was verbally committing to Rice University. Leahey had just announced an offer from the Owls on Saturday.
Rice is now under the direction of new head coach Scott Abell, who comes to the Houston-area NCAA FBS program after seven consecutive winning seasons at Davidson.
Leahey previously committed to Air Force last summer, but decommitted during the 2024 season with the Bulldogs. Leahey had offers from Colgate and Harding University since December.
As Magnolia went 5-5 this fall, Leahey was a force on the Bulldogs’ offense. The 6-foot, 190-pound back was the focal point of the offense and he flourished.
Leahey scored in all 10 games and totaled 22 touchdowns (18 rushing, 4 receiving). He ran for 1,253 yards and caught 15 passes for 292 yards. He was selected first team All-District 15-6A.
Playing its first season in the American Athletic Conference, Rice went 4-8 this past fall and was 3-5 in conference play.
Rice hasn’t had a winning season since 2014, but has made bowl games in two of the last three seasons.
Magnolia senior Colin Leahey (2). (SportCast Media File Photo)
