Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota was heavily favored heading into the Heisman Trophy Award announcement in New York City on Saturday night.
Void of much drama leading up to the announcement, Mariota earned the 80th Heisman Trophy Award.
Heading into Oregon’s National Semifinal matchup against Florida State in the Rose Bowl, the junior quarterback has tallied 3,773 passing yards, 669 rushing yards, 52 total touchdowns and just two interceptions.
Richly deserving of the award, Mariota outlasted the two other finalists, Alabama wide receiver Amari Cooper and Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon, for the award.
Mariota becomes the only player in Oregon football history to win the award. He’s also the fifth consecutive quarterback to grab the hardware at the ceremony in New York City’s Best Buy Theater. He’s the 13th quarterback to earn the Heisman in the last 15 years. The only non-quarterback to grab the top distinction were USC’s Reggie Bush in 2005 (since vacated) and Alabama running back Mark Ingram in 2009.
Mariota will almost certainly turn pro following Oregon’s attempt at winning the national championship next month. He is considered the top overall quarterback and one of the top players in the 2015 NFL draft.
Mariota received 788 of a possible 874 first-place votes. Gordon finishes second in the voting with Cooper coming in third.
Photo: ESPN.com