Nebraska Football: 2022 Team Awards

Once again, the Nebraska Cornhuskers find themselves at the end of a turbulent season. But new hope lies just over the horizon. Ending 2022 with a 4-8 record finished off by interim head coach Mickey Joseph, the Big Red looks to its future with the hiring of Matt Rhule.

Related: Cornhuskers Hire Matt Rhule to Lead Big Red Into the Future

But before Husker Nation goes headfirst into a busy offseason, it’s time to honor those who gave their all in the name of whatever glory may come.

Offensive MVP: Trey Palmer, WR

Record-breaking seasons usually result in MVP honors. That’s just how it is. But Palmer being the second 1,000-yard receiver in school history isn’t the complete story here. Poor backup quarterback play and a case of the drops saw him haul in 15 catches for a scant 97 yards during a four-game skid. Then, to use his words, he started waking up "pissed off."

Defensive MVP: Bill Busch, interim defensive coordinator

Traditionally, this award goes to someone who straps on a helmet. But the way Busch took over for Erik Chinander was beyond impressive. The Temporarily Nameless Blackshirts were led to their most organized efforts in years as Busch orchestrated five shutout halves from mid-September on.

Best Freshman: (Tie) Ernest Hausmann, LB and Malcolm Hartzog, DB 

Much like in soccer (or fútbol if you prefer), ties aren’t always a bad thing. Following team leader Nick Henrich’s season-ending injury against Purdue, Busch badly needed a complement to linebacker Luke Reimer. Enter Hausmann, a former three-star, in-state prospect out of Columbus. He not only played well in relief but held down the defensive second level after Reimer couldn’t go against Iowa.

Hartzog burst onto the scene by returning a blocked punt 30 yards for a score against Indiana. Based on his size (5-9, 170), Hartzog was understandably picked on after taking over a starting role shortly thereafter. But Hartzog didn’t yield to pressure. He’d go on to finish the year with three interceptions, besting all other Nebraska defenders.

Best Play of the Season: Trey Palmer’s 87-yard Touchdown vs. Iowa

If you’re going to upend your rival’s season, you might as well start off in style. Palmer saw a dime dropped into his hands during the first quarter of Nebraska’s eventual victory over Iowa and trotted in for six. It was the Huskers’ longest play from scrimmage since a 99-yard Tommy Armstrong-to-Quincy Enunwa connection in the 2014 Gator Bowl.

Best Performance (Player): Trey Palmer's 297 Yards Against Purdue

We continue Palmer's accolades by applauding his eye-popping performance during a shootout loss to the eventual Big Ten West champion Boilermakers. Words can only do this outing so much justice.

Best Performance (Team): Season-Ending 24-17 Win at Iowa

Despite being in a 24-point hole, it appeared Brian Ferentz’s often-hapless offense was going to make Nebraska look the fool yet again. But Mickey Joseph's Huskers held the Heroes Trophy high in the end. As a capper, the Big Red ultimately kept their hated neighbors from another Big Ten Championship Game appearance.

Defining Moment: Mickey Joseph's First Victory

Nebraska’s 35-21 victory over Indiana snapped a nine-game losing streak to FBS teams. Further, it gave the roster a shot in the arm, reminding them they had what it takes to put four quarters together and send Husker Nation home happy.

Biggest Surprise: No Major Leaks During the Coaching Search

The months leading up to Matt Rhule’s hiring were excruciating for many. Far more speculation than factual knowledge. Sure, his name was mentioned at the start, but countless other potential front-runners were championed week to week. Frustrating though it was, kudos to athletic director Trev Alberts for keeping it that way.

Biggest Disappointment: Sept. 10 Home Loss to Georgia Southern

The Eagles from the Sun Belt played lights out for 60 minutes and rightfully won, 45-42. But this is a game Nebraska never has an excuse to drop in a packed Memorial Stadium. Scott Frost’s failures were only underscored by his prompt removal with the school eating an extra $7.5 million to jettison him before Oct. 1.

Senior Who Will Be Missed the Most: Travis Vokolek, TE

Vokolek was your standard security blanket tight end. Arguably underutilized, his 240 receiving yards and two scores were often racked up when needed most.

Player to Watch in 2022: Ajay Allen, RB

Should he return for Year One of Nebraska’s rebuild, Allen offers a back that may have very well usurped Anthony Grant as the starter. The Huskers’ run game never fully recovered following his season-ending injury in a 49-14 loss to Oklahoma.

Offseason Storyline: The Matt Rhule Era Begins

Curiosity is thick in Big Red circles. Will Rhule’s staff prove a step up across the board? What will his transition class look like? When will he hand out the Blackshirts? Does he enjoy Pepsi or crush skillfully hidden Coke? All mysteries today.

What we do know is this offseason looks to be a wild ride and millions nationwide are buying tickets in a hurry. Especially after an introductory press conference that he absolutely nailed from start to finish.

— Written by Brandon Cavanaugh, part of the Athlon Contributor Network. Be sure to follow him on Twitter (@Bcav402). To contact him, click here.