Kaleb Blanton is a linebacker for Rice at 6'1" and 226 pounds, hailing from Manvel, Texas. A three-star recruit in the 2024 class, he made his college debut at UAB in 2024 on three kickoff plays before joining the Owls. In 2025, he appeared in six plays against Prairie View and one in the Armed Forces Bowl. At Manvel High School, Blanton earned first-team TSWA 5A All-State honors as a senior and was a two-time all-district selection. Over his prep career, he accumulated 227 tackles with 2 sacks, forced two fumbles, and broke up two passes while intercepting another. Blanton holds American Conference All-Academic honors for 2025.