NASHVILLE – Turning in the best season Tennessee has managed in 21 years has earned the Volunteers another pair of honors. Josh Heupel was selected the Tennessee Sports Writers Association’s Football Coach of the Year for 2022 while Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker earned the organization’s Football Player of the Year, announced Wednesday.
Heupel led the Vols to their first 11-win season since 2001 and a final ranking of No. 6 in the country. The 2022 Associated Press Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year guided Tennessee to its first No. 1 ranking in the initial College Football Rankings with an 8-0 start. Heupel also led Tennessee to its first New Year’s Six Bowl appearance in the CFP era, capping the season with a 31-14 victory over ACC champion Clemson in the Orange Bowl.
He was the first Volunteers coach to beat Alabama, Florida and LSU in the same season in 21 years. He was a finalist for the Paul "Bear" Bryant Coach of the Year Award and the George Munger Award presented by the Maxwell Football Club.
His Volunteers led the nation in scoring offense, averaging 46.1 points a game, and total offense with 525.5 yards per game for the first time in program history. The Vols set 15 records during the season and tied a program record with six wins over ranked teams.
Hooker took full advantage of his sixth year of eligibility, as he finished fifth in voting for the Heisman Trophy, the highest finish by a Volunteer player in 25 years. Hooker was the AP and SEC coaches’ pick for the league’s offensive player of the year.
He also was a finalist for the Maxwell Award, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and the Manning Award. Hooker ranked second nationally with a 175.51 passer rating and led the nation, averaging 9.5 yards per pass attempt. He was captain of the nation’s top offense and led the Vols to their first 10-win regular season since 2003.
He compiled 3,565 yards of total offense and 32 touchdowns this season and was the only player in the nation with 25 or more touchdown passes and two or fewer interceptions.
Hooker also led the SEC in total offense (324.1), passing efficiency (175.51), completion percentage (69.6), points responsible for per game (17.6) and yards per pass attempt (9.53).