Rice defensive end Blain Padgett was found dead in his apartment Friday, the school confirmed. He was 21.
"Our team is devastated by this news," Rice coach Mike Bloomgren said. "All of my thoughts right now are how best to help Blain's family and his teammates in this very difficult period."
No cause of death has been given.
The 6-foot-5, 250-pound Padgett, a junior from Sour Lake, Texas, had 3.5 career sacks with the Owls while leading the defensive line with 41 tackles in 2016. He made the Conference USA Commissioner's Honor Roll in 2016 and '17.