The Pac-12 handed out its final round of individual football honors under its current format this week, recognizing six standout players across both Washington State and Oregon State. With the conference set to relaunch in 2026 and return to full All-Conference teams, this marks the end of a brief but unique chapter in Pac-12 history.
In this year’s awards, the Cougars and Beavers split the honors evenly, each program walking away with three top performers. Washington State linebacker Parker McKenna earned Defensive Performer of the Year, defensive end Isaac Terrell took home Defensive Line Performer, and return specialist Tony Freeman was recognized for his work on special teams. On the Oregon State side, running back Anthony Hankerson was named Offensive Performer, offensive lineman Ryan Berger claimed the top spot in the trenches, and freshman cornerback Trey Glasper rounded out the group with Freshman of the Year honors.
Let’s break down the selections - and why some of them sparked a bit of debate.
Defensive Dominance in Pullman
There’s no denying that Parker McKenna had a strong season. The linebacker led the Cougars with 83 tackles, adding five tackles for loss, two sacks, an interception, and a fumble recovery. He was the heart of the WSU defense, showing up week after week as a consistent force in the middle.
But if you’re looking at impact plays, Isaac Terrell made a compelling case to take home the top overall defensive honor. The 6-foot-2, 247-pound junior from Lehi, Utah, was a disruptive presence up front, racking up 12 tackles for loss and seven sacks - both team highs.
He also forced a fumble and, according to Pro Football Focus, generated 38 pressures over the course of the season. That’s elite-level production from a defensive end, and while he did secure the Defensive Line Performer award, there’s a strong argument that his impact extended beyond just the trenches.
Freeman’s Special Teams Spark
Tony Freeman didn’t just win the Special Teams Performer award - he earned it in emphatic fashion. He set a Washington State record with 169 punt return yards in a single game, and did it against none other than Oregon State.
Over the course of the season, Freeman returned 23 punts for 386 yards, averaging a staggering 16.8 yards per return. In a year where special teams often swung momentum, Freeman’s contributions were game-changing.
Oregon State’s Offensive Standouts
On the offensive side, Oregon State’s Anthony Hankerson had himself a season. The running back came just shy of 1,100 rushing yards, anchoring the Beavers’ ground game and providing consistent production. He was a workhorse, and his recognition as the top offensive performer reflects just how vital he was to Oregon State’s identity on that side of the ball.
Meanwhile, Ryan Berger graded out as the highest-rated offensive lineman between the two teams, per PFF. In a season where line play often dictated success, Berger’s steady presence in the trenches helped open lanes for Hankerson and gave the Beavers’ offense a solid foundation to operate from.
Freshman of the Year: Glasper Gets the Nod
Trey Glasper took home Freshman of the Year honors after a season that included 23 tackles, five pass breakups, and an interception. But the numbers only tell part of the story. According to PFF, Glasper also allowed six touchdowns in coverage - a stat that raised some eyebrows.
That’s why some felt WSU linebacker Sullivan Schlimgen had a strong case for the award. The 6-foot-1, 220-pound freshman from Sioux Falls recorded 43 tackles and one tackle for loss.
He was active, reliable, and showed flashes of being a future cornerstone on the defensive side. If the award was based solely on true freshmen, that may explain Glasper’s selection - but redshirt freshman Kenny Worthy also made a strong impression this year in the Cougars’ secondary and could’ve easily been in the mix.
A Glimpse at the Voting
The awards were determined by Pac-12 staff and media members who covered both teams throughout the season. Among the voters was one who cast his ballot for the following:
- Offensive Performer: Anthony Hankerson
- Defensive Performer: Isaac Terrell
- Defensive Line Performer: Isaac Terrell
- Offensive Lineman: Brock Dieu
- Special Teams Performer: Tony Freeman
- Freshman of the Year: Sullivan Schlimgen
That ballot reflects some of the sentiment around Terrell’s defensive dominance and Schlimgen’s under-the-radar impact.
Looking Ahead
As the Pac-12 prepares to reboot in 2026, it remains to be seen whether this six-category format will stick around. There’s a chance the conference returns to a more traditional awards structure - offensive, defensive, and freshman of the year, along with full All-Conference teams. But for now, this final round of honors gave players from Washington State and Oregon State a well-deserved spotlight.
And if this season was any indication, both programs have plenty of talent to build on as they head into a new era.