who won the heisman

The Heisman Trophy. The name alone conjures images of gridiron glory, unforgettable moments, and legendary players etched into the annals of college football history. Awarded annually to the most outstanding player in college football, the Heisman is more than just a trophy; it’s a symbol of dedication, talent, and an impact that transcends statistics.

But who exactly has won the Heisman Trophy over the years? This article provides a comprehensive look at the award, its history, notable winners, and explores the factors that contribute to a player’s Heisman candidacy. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions about this coveted prize.

A Brief History of the Heisman Trophy

The Heisman Trophy was first awarded in 1935 by the Downtown Athletic Club of New York. Initially known as the DAC Trophy, it was renamed in 1936 in honor of John Heisman, a renowned player and coach who served as the club’s athletic director. Heisman coached at several prominent universities, including Georgia Tech, Clemson, and Rice, and his impact on the game is undeniable.

The early years of the award saw running backs dominate, reflecting the prevalent run-heavy offenses of the time. As college football evolved, so too did the criteria and considerations for the Heisman. The rise of passing offenses in the latter half of the 20th century led to quarterbacks increasingly vying for the prestigious honor.

Notable Heisman Winners: A Walk Through History

To truly understand the weight of the Heisman Trophy, it’s essential to look back at some of its most memorable recipients:

Jay Berwanger (1935, Chicago): The inaugural winner, Berwanger was a versatile halfback who excelled on both offense and defense.
Archie Griffin (1974 & 1975, Ohio State): Griffin remains the only player to win the Heisman Trophy twice, a testament to his consistency and dominance as a running back.
Roger Staubach (1963, Navy): Staubach’s naval service and stellar performance on the field made him a national icon. He later went on to have a Hall of Fame NFL career.
Marcus Allen (1981, USC): Allen’s incredible rushing ability and all-around performance solidified his place as one of the greatest running backs in college football history.
Doug Flutie (1984, Boston College): Flutie’s “Hail Mary” pass against Miami remains one of the most iconic plays in college football, cementing his Heisman victory.
Barry Sanders (1988, Oklahoma State): Sanders’ record-breaking season, marked by incredible speed and agility, is still revered today.
Tim Tebow (2007, Florida): Tebow’s passion, leadership, and dual-threat ability captivated fans and helped lead the Gators to national championships.
Cam Newton (2010, Auburn): Newton’s electrifying performances and strong arm made him a dominant force and a controversial but deserving Heisman winner.
Johnny Manziel (2012, Texas A&M): “Johnny Football” brought a swagger and improvisational style to the game that had never been seen before.
Lamar Jackson (2016, Louisville): Jackson’s incredible athleticism and versatility as a dual-threat quarterback made him a dynamic and unforgettable Heisman winner.
Joe Burrow (2019, LSU): Burrow’s record-breaking season and leadership propelled LSU to a national championship, earning him the Heisman in a landslide victory.

These are just a few examples of the many talented players who have earned the Heisman Trophy. Each winner has a unique story and a lasting impact on the game.

What Makes a Heisman Winner?

While there’s no foolproof formula for winning the Heisman Trophy, several key factors typically contribute to a player’s candidacy:

Exceptional Performance: This is the most obvious factor. A Heisman winner must have outstanding statistics and consistently perform at a high level throughout the season. This includes touchdowns, yardage, completion percentage (for quarterbacks), tackles (for defensive players), and other relevant metrics.
Impact on Team Success: The Heisman Trophy is not just about individual performance; it’s also about contributing to team success. Players who lead their teams to conference championships or national championship contention are more likely to be considered for the award.
Playing a Position of Importance: Historically, quarterbacks and running backs have been the most likely to win the Heisman, as their positions tend to be more statistically visible and impactful. However, wide receivers, defensive players, and even special teams players have occasionally broken through.
National Exposure and Media Attention: The Heisman Trophy is, in part, a popularity contest. Players who receive significant media coverage and national attention are more likely to be remembered by voters. This can be influenced by factors such as playing for a prominent program, having memorable moments on national television, and generating buzz on social media.
“Heisman Moment”: A single play or game that captures the nation’s attention can often solidify a player’s Heisman candidacy. Think of Doug Flutie’s “Hail Mary” or Vince Young’s game-winning touchdown run in the 2006 Rose Bowl.
Narrative: The story surrounding a player can also play a role. For example, a player who overcomes adversity, a long-awaited breakout star, or someone who embodies the spirit of college football can resonate with voters.

The Voting Process

The Heisman Trophy is awarded based on the votes of approximately 929 electors, including:

Media Members: Sportswriters and broadcasters from across the country.
Former Heisman Winners: Each living Heisman winner is granted a vote.
Fan Vote: One overall vote is awarded based on online fan balloting.

Each elector ranks their top three choices for the Heisman Trophy. The player with the most first-place votes typically wins the award.

Challenges and Controversies

The Heisman Trophy is not without its controversies. Over the years, there have been debates about the criteria for the award, the fairness of the voting process, and the eligibility of certain players.

Focus on Offense: Critics argue that the Heisman Trophy disproportionately favors offensive players, particularly quarterbacks and running backs.
Influence of Media Hype: Some believe that media coverage and pre-season hype can unduly influence the voting process.
Eligibility Concerns: Issues surrounding amateurism and NCAA rules have occasionally led to controversies and even the vacating of Heisman Trophies.

Despite these challenges, the Heisman Trophy remains the most prestigious individual award in college football.

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FAQs about the Heisman Trophy

Q: How many times has a defensive player won the Heisman Trophy?
- A: Only one purely defensive player has won the Heisman Trophy: Charles Woodson (Michigan, 1997). While Woodson played primarily cornerback, he also contributed significantly on offense and special teams.
Q: What school has the most Heisman Trophy winners?
- A: Ohio State, Oklahoma, and Notre Dame are tied for the most Heisman Trophy winners, with 7 each.
Q: Is there an age limit for Heisman candidates?
- A: No, there is no age limit. The eligibility requirements are dictated by the NCAA and typically require the player to be enrolled as a student and meet academic and athletic standards.
Q: Can a player win the Heisman Trophy more than once?
- A: Yes, Archie Griffin (Ohio State, 1974 & 1975) is the only player to have won the Heisman Trophy twice.
Q: When is the Heisman Trophy ceremony held?
- A: The Heisman Trophy ceremony is typically held in early December, after the conclusion of the regular college football season.
Q: What happens if a Heisman winner is later found to have violated NCAA rules?
- A: The Heisman Trust can choose to vacate the Heisman Trophy if a winner is found to have violated NCAA rules and brought discredit upon the award. This has happened on a few occasions in the history of the award.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of the Heisman

The Heisman Trophy remains a symbol of excellence, perseverance, and impact in college football. While the criteria and considerations for the award may evolve over time, the Heisman will always represent the pinnacle of individual achievement in the sport. It celebrates not just athletic ability, but also leadership, dedication, and the ability to inspire. As new generations of players take the field, the pursuit of the Heisman Trophy will continue to drive them to achieve greatness and leave their mark on college football history. The question of “who won the Heisman?” is more than just trivia; it’s a portal into the rich and compelling narrative of the game itself.