Linebacker Andrew Awe has been named the recipient of the 2026 O.J. Brigance Award, and running back Quinton Jackson was selected as the winner of the George Martin Award as Rice Owls’ 2025 Most Valuable Player, according to an April 10 announcement from Rice Football ahead of the conclusion of their Spring Football drills.
The awards recognize individual achievements among players on both offense and defense, as well as those who demonstrate leadership, academic excellence, and resilience. These honors are a tradition within Rice University’s football program to highlight standout performances and character among its athletes.
Awe joined defensive lineman Blake Boenisch and cornerback Omari Porter in receiving Jess Neely Defensive Awards. Jackson shared George R. Brown Offensive Awards with slot receiver Aaron Turner and offensive tackle Luke Miller. Running back D’Andre Hardeman Jr. received the Joe F. Lipscomb Award for top freshman performance, while defensive lineman Aquantis Clemmons was named the James W. Glanville honoree for excelling in athletics, academics, and integrity.
Team captain Micah Barnett earned the Billy Ed Daniels Award for qualities most desired in a teammate, while safety Jack Kane received the “Bloody Joe” Davis Award for competitive spirit in overcoming pain or injury.
The Brigance Award is presented annually to a player who demonstrates teamwork, good character, work ethic, and courageous leadership—qualities associated with former Owl O.J. Brigance’s career at Rice and beyond into professional football management roles.
Awe developed from a walk-on cornerback into one of the American Conference’s top linebackers during his two years starting for Rice; he finished his senior year with a career-best 106 tackles—ranking fifth in conference—and was recognized by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football’s All Texas second team. Jackson led Rice in rushing yards (889), all-purpose yards (1,225), kickoff returns (262), tied for touchdowns (seven), set several personal records against UConn—including becoming first at school to have both rushing and receiving touchdowns over 70 yards in one game—and had notable performances throughout the season.
Other honorees included Hardeman Jr., who rushed for more than any true freshman since Samuel Steward; Turner led receivers with career-high catches; Miller anchored offensive line play; Boenisch led defensive efforts on line; Porter played every game at corner after transferring from Stanford; Clemmons excelled academically while contributing defensively; Kane overcame injury to start eight games; Barnett transitioned positions while serving as co-captain.
