Rice’s Deanthony Jackson Lands AFCA Good Works Nomination

At Rice University near Rice Village, linebacker Deanthony Jackson is drawing national attention for work that reaches beyond the field. Rice announced that Jackson has been nominated for the 2025 AFCA Good Works Team, an honor that highlights college football players for community service and leadership.

The Rice football program has made this award part of its identity in recent years, and Jackson’s nomination keeps that streak alive in Houston. For a university that sits in the middle of the city and leans heavily into service, the recognition carries weight well beyond a preseason list.

The AFCA Good Works Team is one of college football’s best-known off-field honors. The award, selected by the American Football Coaches Association, spotlights players who give time to local causes, volunteer efforts, and community outreach while balancing the demands of Division I football.

Deanthony Jackson adds to Rice’s off-field profile

Jackson’s nomination places him among players across the country who are being recognized for service, not tackles or sacks. That distinction matters. Awards tied to production can change from week to week, but a Good Works nomination reflects a broader role inside a program and around campus.

Rice identified Jackson as this year’s nominee from the Owls. The school’s announcement points to the kind of player coaches trust to represent the program publicly, especially in a city where college athletics often compete for attention with major pro teams.

For Rice, this kind of recognition also reinforces the school’s longstanding pitch to recruits and supporters. The program wants to be known for development in football, academics, and civic work. A Deanthony Jackson nomination for the AFCA Good Works Team fits that effort cleanly.

Why the AFCA Good Works Team matters at Rice

National honors tied to service can help a program stand out in a crowded college football landscape. Rice does not sell itself the same way a traditional power does. The school often leans on academic strength, Houston access, and player development. The AFCA Good Works Team lines up with all three.

Jackson’s nomination also gives Rice football another positive offseason headline as the Owls prepare for the 2025 season. These lists do not decide games, but they do shape how programs are viewed by recruits, alumni, and donors. In college sports, reputation matters in plenty of rooms.

The next step in the AFCA Good Works Team process will come when the finalist and team selections are announced later in the cycle. Rice will head into preseason work with Jackson carrying one of the sport’s better-known community service nominations.

This article is a summary of reporting by Rice University Athletics. Read the full story here.