Rice WR Aaron Cephus suspended indefinitely

Rice head coach Mike Bloomgren announced wide receiver Aaron Cephus is suspended indefinitely for a violation of team policies, per a release from the university’s athletic department issued Friday evening.

Prior to the suspension, Cephus was preparing for his junior season after operating as a starting wideout for the past two seasons. Cephus led the Owls in receptions (25), receiving yards (622), and touchdowns (5) as a freshman in 2017. His 24.9 yards per reception ranked first among all players in the FBS with at least 25 catches.

In 2018, Cephus finished second on the team in receptions (40) and receiving yards (565) behind fellow sophomore wide receiver Austin Trammell but hauled in a team-best five touchdown receptions. Cephus missed the final two games of the 2018 season with an injury.

With Rice’s initial game against Army one month away, it is unknown if Cephus’ indefinite suspension prolongs into the regular season. With Cephus sidelined, Rice still possesses its reigning receiving yards leader, Trammell, on the depth chart. Trammell’s co-starter likely becomes Rhett Cardwell, who managed 11 receptions for 58 yards lats season.

Rice opens its season at Army on August 30 at 6 p.m. ET.