Six Owls Honored by Phil Steele

Houston: Running back Quinton Jackson and safety Daveon Hook lead a list of six Owls who have been named preseason American All-Conference by Phil Steele in his annual college football preview magazine.

Jackson and Hook were both named to the second team, while Jamir Benjamin, Dillan Botts, and Jesus Machado Jr. were named to the third team, and Luke Miller to the fourth team.

Jackson was named the Owls' MVP in 2025 after leading the team in rushing (889 yards), all-purpose yards (1,225), and kickoff returns (262), and tying for the team lead with seven touchdowns. He ranked seventh in the conference in rushing, and his 889 yards were the most on the ground by an Owl since Jowan Davis ran for 956 in 2014. He topped 100 yards three times, including a career-high 168 in addition to four touchdowns, and 248 all-purpose yards while leading Rice to a 37-34 overtime win over UConn. He became the first player in school history and the 11th at the FBS level since 1996 to have a rushing and receiving touchdowns of 70+ yards in the same game, scoring on a 73-yard run and 75-yard reception in the second quarter vs. the Huskies.

Hook was credited with 22 tackles last season while being limited to five games due to injuries during the season. He was in the starting lineup for the season-opener at Louisiana but was injured in practice prior to the Houston game and missed the next six. He recorded his first career sack (loss of 12 yards) in his hometown against UTSA in his return to action. He returned to the starting lineup against UConn and matched his career high with seven tackles, including a career-best 1.5 TFL.

Benjamin joined the Owls in January after two seasons at UCLA. He saw action in all 12 games with the Bruins last season, with his first 67 snaps on defense in his career, along with 138 special teams plays, and was credited with nine tackles. He returned a fumble recovery for a touchdown on the punt unit against Washington on Nov. 22 and played a season-high 22 defensive snaps vs. New Mexico.

Botts saw action in all 13 games for Rice last season, including 10 starts and 345 snaps on defense after transferring from Mary Hardin-Baylor. He was credited with 16 tackles, seven in the last three games, and led the interior linemen with a 69.4 grade on PFF. He finished second among interior defenders with six hurries, including two in his first career start vs. Houston.

Machado joined the Owls in January after spending last season at Houston. Prior to joining the Cougars, he was a second-team American All-Conference selection at Tulane in 2023 after leading the Green Wave and ranking third in the conference with 98 tackles (three for loss), including a career-high 12 coming against Rice Owls at Rice Stadium. He was injured in the 2023 Military Bowl and sat out the 2024 campaign before returning to health as a reserve last season at Houston.

Miller started all 13 games at Split Tackle position on the offensive line. He led the offense with 828 snaps, including a career-best 78 snaps vs. UConn, and allowed only one sack on 267 pass plays.

The Owls open the 2026 season on September 5 when they host HCU to Rice Stadium at 6 p.m.
Season ticket packages start at $109 per seat, providing fans with the best value for their money and a family-friendly viewing experience at college football's highest level. Those interested in purchasing season tickets should secure their seats now by visiting RiceOwls.com/26FBTix or calling (713) 348-OWLS (6957).

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Jamir Benjamin

Dillan Botts

Daveon Hook

Quinton Jackson

Jesus Machado Jr.

Luke Miller

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