Smith's lifelong Penn State ties came full circle with his first win as interim head coach on Saturday.
Duzansky was named to the award's watch list last season.
Franklin's original buyout was around $49 million.
Penn State has won its last 17 straight against Rutgers.
Penn State recorded five sacks against the Spartans.
The Nittany Lions will welcome the Cornhuskers back to Beaver Stadium for the first time since 2017.