.png&type=webp)
Rice University Athletics
Abell Announces 2026 Team Captains
8/14/2026 11:39:00 AM | Football
Brown, Hook, Jackson and Nwajuaku to lead squad
Houston-Dunlevie Family Head Football Coach Scott Abell has announced that quarterback Jacurri Brown, safety Daveon Hook, running back Quinton Jackson, and defensive end Chibby Nwajuaku have been selected by their teammates to serve as captains for the 2026 season. This is the second consecutive year Jackson has been named a captain.
"All four of our captains have been great leaders, hard workers, and great teammates all summer and off-season," Abell said. "I am excited to have them lead us this fall."
Brown joined the Owls as a transfer in January from UCF and was named as the starting quarterback and the conclusion of spring practice. He is slated to make his third career start when the Owls host HCU at Rice Stadium on September 5.
Hook has been a starter for the Owls in each of the last two seasons, and he ranks third on the team with 38 career games coming into the season. He earned second-team American All-Conference preseason honors from both Phil Steele and Athlon.
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 tied for the team lead with seven touchdowns. His rushing total was the most yards rushing by an Owl since 2014. He ranks sixth all-time at Rice with 1,244 yards on kick returns, while he needs 107 all-purpose yards to move into the career top ten.
Nwajuaku enjoyed his most productive season in 2025, finishing with 25 tackles. He ranked second on the team with 17 total pressures and was tied for second with 12 hurries.
Abell's Owls will continue the training camp portion of their preparations for the 2026 season prior to the start of classes on August 24. They will hold an open practice at 7 p.m. on August 22 as part of Rice's annual Fan Fest, followed by an autograph session on the field.
Season ticket packages start at $109 per seat, offering fans the best value 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).
Single-game tickets are also on sale for each of the Owls' six home games in 2026 at the following link https://riceowls.co/26-FB-games
"All four of our captains have been great leaders, hard workers, and great teammates all summer and off-season," Abell said. "I am excited to have them lead us this fall."
Brown joined the Owls as a transfer in January from UCF and was named as the starting quarterback and the conclusion of spring practice. He is slated to make his third career start when the Owls host HCU at Rice Stadium on September 5.
Hook has been a starter for the Owls in each of the last two seasons, and he ranks third on the team with 38 career games coming into the season. He earned second-team American All-Conference preseason honors from both Phil Steele and Athlon.
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 tied for the team lead with seven touchdowns. His rushing total was the most yards rushing by an Owl since 2014. He ranks sixth all-time at Rice with 1,244 yards on kick returns, while he needs 107 all-purpose yards to move into the career top ten.
Nwajuaku enjoyed his most productive season in 2025, finishing with 25 tackles. He ranked second on the team with 17 total pressures and was tied for second with 12 hurries.
Abell's Owls will continue the training camp portion of their preparations for the 2026 season prior to the start of classes on August 24. They will hold an open practice at 7 p.m. on August 22 as part of Rice's annual Fan Fest, followed by an autograph session on the field.
Season ticket packages start at $109 per seat, offering fans the best value 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).
Single-game tickets are also on sale for each of the Owls' six home games in 2026 at the following link https://riceowls.co/26-FB-games
Players Mentioned
QB
/ Football
SAF
/ Football
RB
/ Football
DL
/ FootballWednesday, March 09
Saturday, December 04
Thursday, December 02