Heisman Trophy winners: From 1935-2023, the history of the Heisman
2023-12-09
The list of Heisman Trophy winners features some of the most recognizable names in the history of football. It’s one of the most recognized awards in sports and fans are always excited to see who will win the Heisman Trophy next.
Since the first Heisman Trophy was awarded in 1935, we’ve seen some of the all-time greats become a part of football immortality. From Barry Sanders and Paul Hornung to Charles Woodson and Tim Brown, many legends of the gridiron hold the iconic trophy.
In more recent times, Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow are the two latest examples of Heisman winners who went on to become NFL stars. Before long, Caleb Williams could join them.
2013: AJ McCarron, QB, Alabama (2nd) and Jordan Lynch, QB, Northern Illinois (3rd)
Who won the Heisman the last 5 years?
USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams (2022)), Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young (2021), Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (2020), LSU Tigers quarterback Joe Burrow (2019) and Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Kyler Murray (2018) are the Heisman Trophy winners over the last five years.
Among the 88 Heisman Trophy winners, 38 were quarterbacks. This means that non-quarterbacks make up for 50 of the Heisman winners throughout its history.
Has a school ever won 3 Heismans in a row?
No school has ever won the Heisman Trophy in three consecutive years. However, Alabama (Bryce Young and DeVonta Smith, 2020-’21), Oklahoma (Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray, 2017-’18), USC (Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush, 2004-’05), Ohio State (Archie Griffin, 194-’75) and Yale (Larry Kelley and Clint Frank, 1936-’37) had Heisman winners in consecutive years.
Who is the oldest Heisman winner?
Chris Weinke is the oldest college player to win the Heisman Trophy. Weinke won the Heisman at 28 years and 131 days old, easily making him the oldest player to ever win the Heisman.
Ten players have won both the Heisman Trophy and a Super Bowl. Reggie Bush, Charles Woodson, Desmond Howard, George Rogers, Marcus Allen, Tony Dorsett, Jim Plunkett, Mike Garrett, Roger Staubach and Paul Hornung are the only Heisman winners who won a Super Bowl.
Archie Griffin is the only player in NCAA history with two Heisman Trophy awards. Griffin is also the only player to win the Heisman in consecutive years, accomplishing the feat with the Ohio State Buckeyes from 1974-’75.
Archie Griffin stats (1974-’75): 3,392 scrimmage yards, 16 touchdowns, 6.07 yards per carry in 24 games
How many Heisman winners are in the Hall of Fame?
There are 10 Heisman Winners in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. O.J. Simpson, Roger Staubach, Doak Walker, Paul Hornung, Earl Campbell, Tony Dorsett, Marcus Allen, Barry Sanders, Tim Brown and Charles Woodson are the only 10 Hall of Famers to win the Heisman Trophy.
Who is the most successful Heisman winner in the NFL?
Barry Sanders and Roger Staubach are the most successful Heisman winners in the NFL, both finishing as two of the greatest football players at their position. Among the other Hall of Famers with the Heisman Trophy are Tim Brown, Marcus Allen, Charles Woodson and Paul Hornung.
Has a true freshman ever won the Heisman?
A true freshman has never won the Heisman Trophy in the history of college football. However, Johnny Manziel and Jameis Winston are the only two freshman Heisman winners. Both quarterbacks won the Heisman Trophy in their redshirt freshman seasons.
Which college has the most Heisman Trophy winners?
The USC Trojans hold the record for the most Heisman Trophy winners by any college football program. Eight USC players have won the Heisman, however, running back Reggie Bush was stripped of his award for NCAA violations stemming from allegations he received gifts from an agent while he played at USC.