Three Huskers Recognized as Endowed Scholarship Honorees

Nebraska Athletics announced the recipients of three endowed scholarships for men’s basketball during a first-half presentation at the No. 8 Huskers' home game with Oregon on Tuesday, Jan. 13.

The Husker men's basketball honoree for the 2025-26 season are Cale Jacobsen (Bus Whitehead Scholarship), Connor Essegian (Hosman Family Scholarship) and Will Cooper (Lorraine Cross Coaches Scholarship).

Jacobsen was selected as the recipient of the 2025-26 Bus Whitehead Scholarship. The honor recognizes a player who has a high level of athletic achievement, moral character, effective leadership skills, integrity, and a commitment to excellence in all endeavors. The endowed scholarship, which was created in 2013, honors one of the most legendary figures in Husker basketball history. Whitehead was a two-time all-conference selection who guided the Huskers to consecutive Big Seven championships in 1949 and 1950.

Essegian was tabbed as the recipient of the 2025-26 Hosman Family Scholarship. The honor recognizes a player who has demonstrated leadership, a high level of character and commitment to the team and is in good academic standing.  It was established in 2008 by the Dale & Patsy Hosman Family Foundation and Essegian is the sixth Husker to receive the scholarship.

Cooper was named the recipient of the 2025-26 Lorraine Cross Coaches Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to an undergraduate student who demonstrates a commitment to pursuing a post-graduate degree in the field of health care. It was established in 2020 by Sanford Health, and Cooper is the fourth Husker to receive the scholarship.

For more information on scholarships, contact the Husker Athletic Fund at (402) 472-3111 or visit huskersathleticfund.com.