Rice WR Dean Connors Jackson Lands on Two Watch Lists

At Houston's Rice University, preseason honors are starting to stack up for the Owls. Rice wide receiver Dean Connors Jackson was named to the watch lists for the Wuerffel Trophy and the Paul Hornung Award, giving the program another national storyline as camp approaches in South Main.

The Rice Jackson watch lists nod covers two different parts of his profile. The Wuerffel Trophy highlights community service, academics and leadership along with on-field play. The Paul Hornung Award recognizes the most versatile player in major college football. Landing on both lists puts Jackson in a small national group valued for impact in more than one lane.

Rice Jackson watch lists bring early national attention

For Rice, this kind of preseason recognition matters because it keeps the Owls in the national conversation before the first snap. Watch list spots do not guarantee finalist status, but they show that voters and awards committees already see Jackson as a player worth tracking during the 2025 season.

Jackson's inclusion also fits the broader push for visibility around the Rice program. Awards tied to versatility and off-field service can help a school like Rice earn attention beyond wins and losses, especially in a crowded college football state where Houston, College Station and Austin often dominate headlines.

What the two awards recognize

The Wuerffel Trophy is one of college football's best-known awards for all-around excellence away from the field and on it. The Hornung Award carries a different angle. It focuses on players who contribute in multiple ways, which can include offense, special teams and other roles that do not fit neatly into one box.

That pairing says a lot about why Jackson made both lists. Rice gets credit here for developing a player whose value reaches past one stat line. Preseason recognition like this can also help shape how opposing teams, broadcasters and award voters talk about the Owls once games begin.

Another preseason boost for the Owls

August watch lists are a starting point, not an ending point, and Jackson still has to back them up once the schedule starts. Rice opens the season with a chance to build on that attention, and every strong performance gives him a better shot to stay in the mix for both awards deep into the fall.

Rice Athletics announced the honor this week as the Owls continue their ramp toward the new season in Houston.

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