Midseason Awards: Recognizing the Best Performances From the First Half of OSU’s Year

With seven games in the books, OSU is technically already into the second half of its season. But with the bye week, an absolutely huge Homecoming matchup with Texas looming and a sense that whatever this team is going to be either unveiled or cemented over the next few games, this seemed like a good time to reflect.

So let’s review the first half of the season, take stock in what OSU is and hand out a couple spurious awards.

Most Improved Player: Tylan Wallace

There really couldn’t be anyone else getting this reward in my mind, at least from a production standpoint. As a true freshman, Wallace was buried down the depth chart beneath the likes of a Biletnikoff winner and another NFL draft pick, and several veterans.

But this year there is no doubt who the Cowboys’ WR1 is. The highest-rated high school receiver to sign with OSU since Dez Bryant leads all Cowboys in targets (66) by a decent margin through seven games. His 718 yards comes in second in the Big 12 and his 102.6-yard average is No. 9 nationally and third among underclassmen.

Biggest Surprise: Landon Wolf

Another Cowboys wide receiver went from spring game hero, to earning a scholarship to being the Cowboys’ biggest surprise during the early part of the season. With Dillon Stoner out with injury and Jalen McCleskey just out, the former walk-on got the start against Kansas and looked the part of world-beater.

Wolf is currently third on the roster with 220 yard on 16 catches and two touchdowns. He and Wallace should make quite the tandem at receiver for OSU over the next couple of years.

Rookie of the Year (Offense): Chuba Hubbard

Through the first half of the Cowboys’ slate there has not been a more electric player see the field. When Hubbard has gotten his chance, and gets the ball out in space, he has been something special to watch.

And it’s not just on offense that he’s made plays. Hubbard has shown glimpses of the type of game-changing ability OSU has missed in special teams. He’s yet to break off that big, game-flipping return. But what better way to welcome Barry Sanders this weekend than an opening kickoff returned for 6?

Rookie of the Year (Defense): Jarrick Bernard

This year has included a baptism by fire for several youngsters playing meaningful reps at safety for OSU. While the young group of DBs have had their ups and downs, Jarrick Bernard has made his fair share of plays, and the moment has never looked too big for the rookie.

Bernard has played in all seven games and started three. He leads all OSU freshmen in tackles, tackles for loss and INTs and even the lumps he takes his rookie year should pay dividends for the Cowboys’ secondary for years to come.

Most Valuable Player (Offense): Justice Hill

There are myriad ways that people look at this award depending on sport and league. Is it the best player? The one that is hardest to replace? Come up with a qualifier and Justice fits the bill.

We are likely looking at the last 5 to 6 games of his time in orange. Here’s to a couple of more highlight plays, some more history, and most importantly, a few wins. He’ll have a chance to make some memories in front of the GOAT on Saturday.

Most Valuable Player (Defense): Jordan Brailford

The fifth-year redshirt junior is approaching Perry Ellis territory in terms of tenure, but he’s by no means meme-worthy.

The Big 12’s current leader in sacks has come down to earth a bit from his hot start but is still on pace for 14 sacks in the regular season. The OSU record is 16.0 by Leslie O’Neal back in 1984. That’s still very much in Brailford’s reach and, looking at some of the QBs left on Oklahoma State schedule, the Cowboys could every one he can muster.