## Author's Summary
Chase Rice, the 40-year-old country star behind "Eyes On You," plans to pause touring in 2026 after 13 years on the road to train for college football, blending his music fame with past athletic roots. (148 characters)
## Chase Rice's Rise in Country Music
Chase Rice built a massive fanbase as a country artist, known for hits like "Eyes On You." He toured arenas and stadiums across the U.S. for nearly a decade, thrilling crowds with his live shows.
## The Big Announcement
At age 40, Rice shared on Instagram that 2026 marks his first tour break in 13 years. He aims to train and apply for college football's sixth position. > "Taking year off for the time in13 yearsonna go and apply train for6th in college... I hereby open my recruitment."
## Football Background
Rice played linebacker at the University of North Carolina, appearing in games during 2005-2008. As a redshirt freshman, he notched four tackles; as a sophomore, he started three games. Though likely joking about a return, his history fuels the buzz.
## Future Outlook
This reset lets him focus on songwriting while eyeing football fun, amid sold-out tours and streaming growth. Fans see it as a smart pivot, not a retreat.
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Yardbarker — 2025-11-29