Rice University running back and kick returner Quinton Jackson has been named to the 2025 Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Watch List. The award, now in its thirteenth year, honors the top offensive player in Division I football who displays qualities exemplified by Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinee Earl Campbell, including integrity, performance, teamwork, sportsmanship, drive, community involvement and tenacity.
Jackson is among 102 Football Bowl Subdivision players selected for this year’s list. In the previous season, he recorded a career-best 933 all-purpose yards for Rice University’s football team. His performance included 589 kickoff return yards — ranking third in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) and seventh nationally — and a school record-setting 100-yard kickoff return against Connecticut. He also became the first Rice University player since James Sykes in 1976 to score touchdowns via rushing, receiving and kick return in a single season.
For his efforts, Jackson will serve as one of the team captains this year and has been recognized on several preseason All-American Conference teams as both a running back and kick returner. Athlon included him on its first team as a kick returner and third team as an all-purpose back; Phil Steele placed him on its second team as a kick returner and third team as a running back.
The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award specifically acknowledges players who either graduated from Texas high schools or currently play at Texas-based Division I institutions. The Watch List will be narrowed to up to 16 semifinalists in November before being reduced further to five finalists in December. Broadcasters, commentators, journalists, fans and former winners participate in selecting the winner. The recipient will be announced in December and celebrated at The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Banquet set for Jan. 21, 2026 in Tyler, Texas.
More information about the award is available at earlcampbellaward.com.
Rice University’s football program concludes its fall camp this week ahead of classes beginning Aug. 25. The season opener is scheduled for Saturday against Louisiana at 7 p.m., followed by their first home game against Houston on Sept. 6 at 6 p.m., which will determine possession of the Bayou Bucket rivalry trophy.
Single-game tickets are available starting from $22 either online or by phone at (713) 348-OWLS (6957). Season tickets and mini-plans are also offered for fans interested in attending multiple games.
