Erben Birkhoff is an offensive lineman for Rice, standing 6'3" and weighing 321 pounds. A native of Katy, Texas, he attended Tompkins High School, where he earned first-team All-District 19-6A honors twice under coach Todd McVey. Birkhoff played multiple positions in high school, beginning as a punter and kickoff specialist before transitioning to tight end and then the offensive line. As a senior, he recorded 30 pancakes and 15 knockdowns while allowing just one sack in his final two seasons. He also averaged 40.2 yards per punt as a sophomore. Birkhoff did not see action during his first year on campus in 2025.

Rice2025 — present