After missing the 2024-25 season, Jordan Rice started his comeback campaign with a 21.0 point-per-game average through the first six games in 2025-26, earning November Jimmy John's Athlete of the Month honors. The graduate guard has set the pace as the GLVC's leading scorer in the opening month.

Rice totaled 126 points in November and never scored fewer than 18 in a game, even setting a career high with 30 points against Parkside on Nov. 15. He shot 42.0% from the field, 37.1% from three-point range, and 78.4% from the free-throw line, while adding 3.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. He started all six games as UIS posted a 4-2 record during the month.

On the conference stage, Rice ranked No. 1 in the GLVC in scoring average and assists, while also ranking 15th in three-point percentage. Nationally, he sits inside the top 40 in NCAA Division II in both total points and assists. Rice's strong start has helped set the tone for UIS early in the season and marks a statement return in his senior season.

Jimmy John's Athlete of the Month
Athlete of the Month honorees will be recognized at the end-of-year UIS Athletics banquet and will also be considered for UIS Male, Female, or Rookie of the Year, based on their respective categories.

The Jimmy John's Athlete of the Month award is presented in partnership with Jimmy John's on South 6th Street in Springfield, reflecting a shared commitment between Jimmy John's and UIS Athletics to celebrate excellence, teamwork, and achievement across all Prairie Star programs.

November 2025 Nominees
Jordan Rice, Men's Basketball
Isaiah Davis, Men's Basketball
Kennedy Osterman, Women's Basketball
Kayla Rice, Women's Basketball
Robin Lemke Bergseth, Men's Soccer
Gigi Yurevich, Women's Soccer
Brock Loftus, Men's Cross Country
Madelyn Miller-Ross, Women's Cross Country
Erica Sledge, Volleyball
Makenna Cox, Volleyball