Chase Rice Takes a Break from Touring, Teases Hilarious College Football Comeback!

Country music sensation Chase Rice, widely known for hits like “Eyes on You,” has just dropped some major news that has fans buzzing! After an incredible 13 years on the road, the charismatic artist is hitting pause on touring for an entire year. But hold onto your hats – his reason for this break might just be the most entertaining twist of the year, involving a surprising “return” to his gridiron roots!

A Sabbatical from the Stage: What’s Next for Chase Rice?

On Thursday, November 27, Chase Rice took to social media to announce, “Taking next year off from touring for the first time in 13 years.” While a well-deserved break for the “Eyes on You” singer seems legitimate – with only a couple of festival appearances like Stagecoach in California and Barefoot Country in New Jersey slated for 2026 – his rationale for stepping back has a decidedly playful, familiar ring for college football enthusiasts.

“Gonna go back and apply and train for my 6th year in college football,” the 40-year-old crooner quipped online. He didn’t stop there, playfully outlining his top choices: “Carolina’s my first choice, but Florida is a close second. [Lane Kiffin], you’re a factor in this too. NIL will play into this. I hearby open my recruitment.” This tongue-in-cheek declaration has set the internet alight, especially given recent college football coaching rumors surrounding Lane Kiffin’s potential departure from Ole Miss.

From Gridiron to Guitar: Chase Rice’s Athletic Past

For those unfamiliar with Chase Rice’s fascinating journey, his college football aspirations aren’t entirely a joke. Before he became a country music superstar, penning hits like Florida Georgia Line’s “Cruise” with pals Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, Rice was a formidable linebacker for the North Carolina Tar Heels. His deep connection to the sport and his alma mater is something he often speaks about with passion.

Recalling his college days, Rice previously shared with Sony Music Nashville, “I’m a big college football guy. Love, love my North Carolina Tar Heels, I played football there for five years, and gave that university my life… the Tar Heels are my team.” Yet, his football loyalties run even deeper: “But, I grew up a Florida Gator. I grew up down in Florida, before I moved to North Carolina, and so I’ve always been a Gator fan. The kid in me always screams Florida Gators on Saturday.” This dual allegiance makes his playful recruitment announcement all the more fitting.

The NIL Factor and Lane Kiffin: A Perfect Play

The mention of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and the enigmatic Lane Kiffin adds another layer of humor and relevance to Rice’s announcement. Kiffin, often a subject of coaching carousel rumors, is a high-profile figure in college football, making his inclusion a clever nod to current sports headlines. Whether Chase Rice truly plans to swap his microphone for a helmet remains to be seen, but his ability to blend humor, personal history, and current events into his social media announcements is pure gold.

Fans eager to catch Chase Rice live before his official break still have two chances to see the “Eyes on You” artist perform. While his break from touring will undoubtedly be missed, the prospect of what Chase Rice will do next – whether it’s genuinely hitting the books for a sixth year or simply enjoying a well-deserved hiatus – keeps us all guessing and entertained.

Key Takeaways from Chase Rice’s Announcement:

• Country star Chase Rice is taking a year off from touring after 13 years.
• He playfully announced a “comeback” to college football, seeking a 6th year of eligibility.
• Rice was formerly a linebacker for the North Carolina Tar Heels.
• He humorously mentioned Lane Kiffin and NIL deals in his “recruitment” pitch.
• Fans still have two opportunities to see him perform before his break.