Summary
- • 7 schools have had multiple Heisman Trophy winners
- • Notre Dame and Ohio State lead with 7 Heisman winners each
- • USC has produced 6 Heisman Trophy winners
- • Oklahoma has had 7 Heisman Trophy winners
- • Alabama has had 4 Heisman Trophy winners, all since 2009
- • Michigan has had 3 Heisman Trophy winners
- • Auburn has had 3 Heisman Trophy winners
- • 86 total Heisman Trophies have been awarded as of 2022
- • The first Heisman Trophy was awarded in 1935
- • Only one player has won the Heisman Trophy twice (Archie Griffin)
- • The Heisman Trophy was named after John Heisman
- • Quarterbacks have won the most Heisman Trophies with 37
- • Running backs have won the second-most Heisman Trophies with 42
- • Only 3 wide receivers have won the Heisman Trophy
- • Only 1 primarily defensive player has won the Heisman Trophy (Charles Woodson)
From iconic poses to record-breaking feats, the Heisman Trophy has always been a symbol of college football excellence. With a legacy dating back to 1935, this prestigious award has been hoisted by the best of the best, including quarterbacks, running backs, and even a few defensive stars. As we dive into the fascinating world of Heisman winners, with 7 schools boasting multiple recipients and stats that would make any football fans head spin, it becomes clear that the pursuit of this coveted prize is filled with both history and surprises.
Award Details
- The Heisman Trophy weighs 45 pounds
- The Heisman Trophy is 13.5 inches tall
- The Heisman Trophy is cast in bronze
- The Heisman Trophy was designed by sculptor Frank Eliscu
- The Heisman Trophy pose is based on Ed Smith, a leading player in 1934
Interpretation
The Heisman Trophy may be hefty at 45 pounds, but it stands tall at 13.5 inches, a fitting representation of the exceptional athletes who have won this coveted award. Crafted in bronze by sculptor Frank Eliscu, its iconic pose based on Ed Smith from 1934 immortalizes the determination and excellence of college football's finest. In the game of football, as in life, it seems only fitting that greatness should shine in bronze.
Award History
- 86 total Heisman Trophies have been awarded as of 2022
- The first Heisman Trophy was awarded in 1935
- The Heisman Trophy was named after John Heisman
- Reggie Bush is the only player to have his Heisman Trophy vacated
- Larry Kelley was the first player to win the award after it was renamed the Heisman Trophy
- Jay Berwanger was the first-ever Heisman Trophy winner
Interpretation
As a glittering symbol of individual excellence in the world of college football, the Heisman Trophy has carved a legacy full of legends and controversy. From Jay Berwanger, the trailblazing pioneer, to Reggie Bush, the enigma whose accolade vanished into the mist of scandal, the illustrious award has witnessed 86 chapters of triumph, deceit, and everything in between since its inception in 1935. John Heisman's namesake creation continues to be a coveted honor in the sporting realm, with Larry Kelley setting the precedent post-renaming. It's a tale of glory, disgrace, and perseverance that captures the essence of human achievement on the gridiron.
Player Achievements
- Only one player has won the Heisman Trophy twice (Archie Griffin)
- Barry Sanders set the record for most total yards in a Heisman-winning season
- Cam Newton had the highest passer rating of any Heisman-winning quarterback
- Marcus Mariota had the highest touchdown-to-interception ratio of any Heisman winner
- Derrick Henry rushed for the most yards in a Heisman-winning season
- Paul Hornung is the only player from a losing team to win the Heisman Trophy
- Archie Griffin won the Heisman Trophy in both 1974 and 1975
- Eddie George set the Ohio State single-season rushing record in his Heisman year
- Ricky Williams broke the NCAA career rushing record in his Heisman-winning season
- Ron Dayne became the NCAA's all-time leading rusher in his Heisman-winning year
- Jason White overcame two knee injuries to win the Heisman Trophy
- Matt Leinart led USC to a national championship in his Heisman-winning season
- Sam Bradford set the NCAA record for passing efficiency in his Heisman-winning year
- Baker Mayfield was the first walk-on player to win the Heisman Trophy
- Kyler Murray was the first player to be drafted in the first round of both the NFL and MLB drafts
- Joe Burrow set the NCAA record for touchdown passes in a season during his Heisman year
Interpretation
The history of Heisman winners reads like a thrilling novel filled with record-breakers, trailblazers, and extraordinary feats. From Archie Griffin's back-to-back victories to Barry Sanders' uncatchable total yards, each player etches their unique mark on college football glory. Whether it's Cam Newton's impeccable passer rating or Derrick Henry's unstoppable rushing yards, these athletes stand as testaments to greatness in their respective seasons. Despite the highs and lows of the game, from Paul Hornung's resilience on a losing team to Jason White's triumphant return from injury, each Heisman winner exemplifies the spirit of perseverance and achievement. As the Heisman legacy continues to evolve with players like Kyler Murray making history in multiple sports, one thing remains constant – these players are not just champions, but legends in every sense of the word.
Player Demographics
- The youngest Heisman winner was Lamar Jackson at 19 years old
- The oldest Heisman winner was Chris Weinke at 28 years old
- Only 3 sophomores have won the Heisman Trophy
- Only 1 freshman has won the Heisman Trophy (Johnny Manziel)
- Tim Tebow was the first sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy
- Ernie Davis was the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy
- Doc Blanchard was the first junior to win the Heisman Trophy
- Andre Ware was the first African American quarterback to win the Heisman Trophy
- Johnny Manziel was the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy
- Jameis Winston was the youngest player to win the Heisman Trophy at the time
- Marcus Mariota was the first Hawaii-born player to win the Heisman Trophy
Interpretation
In the illustrious world of Heisman winners, age is just a number, but milestones are forever etched in football lore. From Lamar Jackson's youthful ascension to Chris Weinke's seasoned victory, the Heisman's history is a bouquet of anomalies. Sophomores and freshmen may be rare breeds in this glittering fraternity, but Tim Tebow and Johnny Manziel showed that youth can trounce experience. Ernie Davis and Andre Ware broke barriers and proved excellence knows no color, while Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota added their names to the tapestry of diverse talents gracing this coveted award. In this game of legends, each statistic is not just a number but a chapter in the immortal tale of football greatness.
Position Statistics
- Quarterbacks have won the most Heisman Trophies with 37
- Running backs have won the second-most Heisman Trophies with 42
- Only 3 wide receivers have won the Heisman Trophy
- Only 1 primarily defensive player has won the Heisman Trophy (Charles Woodson)
- Charles Woodson is the only primarily defensive player to win the Heisman Trophy
- DeVonta Smith was the first wide receiver to win the Heisman Trophy since 1991
Interpretation
In the world of college football, the Heisman Trophy seems to have an unspoken preference for those who use their hands to throw or carry the ball, with quarterbacks and running backs racking up the most wins. Wide receivers, with their flashy catches and quick feet, must be wondering if the trophy committee sees them as mere bystanders in the game. And let's not forget the lone warrior in defense, Charles Woodson, bravely holding the fort as the only primarily defensive player to snag the coveted award. With DeVonta Smith finally breaking the wide receiver dry spell, one can't help but wonder if the Heisman is slowly evolving to appreciate the artistry of those who thrive on the edges of the gridiron.
School Records
- 7 schools have had multiple Heisman Trophy winners
- Notre Dame and Ohio State lead with 7 Heisman winners each
- USC has produced 6 Heisman Trophy winners
- Oklahoma has had 7 Heisman Trophy winners
- Alabama has had 4 Heisman Trophy winners, all since 2009
- Michigan has had 3 Heisman Trophy winners
- Auburn has had 3 Heisman Trophy winners
- Roger Staubach was the first Navy player to win the Heisman Trophy
- Davey O'Brien was the first player from the Southwest Conference to win the Heisman
- Nile Kinnick is the only Heisman winner from the University of Iowa
- Billy Sims is Oklahoma's only two-time Heisman finalist
- Tim Brown was Notre Dame's first wide receiver to win the Heisman Trophy
- Charlie Ward was Florida State's first Heisman Trophy winner
- Eric Crouch was Nebraska's third Heisman Trophy winner
- Carson Palmer was USC's first Heisman Trophy winner since 1981
- Mark Ingram was Alabama's first Heisman Trophy winner
- Robert Griffin III was Baylor's first Heisman Trophy winner
- Lamar Jackson was Louisville's first Heisman Trophy winner
- Bryce Young was Alabama's first quarterback to win the Heisman Trophy
- Caleb Williams was USC's eighth Heisman Trophy winner, including Reggie Bush
Interpretation
In the competitive world of college football, the Heisman Trophy is the ultimate prize, and these statistics paint a colorful picture of the prestigious award's journey through various schools. With Notre Dame and Ohio State leading the pack with 7 Heisman winners each, it's clear that certain programs have mastered the art of producing outstanding talent. From Alabama's sudden surge with 4 winners since 2009 to the unique milestones like Charlie Ward becoming Florida State's first winner, the Heisman legacy is rich with history and surprises. Whether it's the first wide receiver or a quarterback breaking barriers, each winner represents a unique chapter in the sport's prestigious narrative.
Voting Records
- O.J. Simpson won the Heisman Trophy by the largest margin in history
- Joe Burrow received the highest percentage of possible points in Heisman voting history
- Troy Smith received 86.7% of the first-place votes in his Heisman win
Interpretation
The Most Heisman Winners statistics read like a highlight reel of dominance and excellence in college football. O.J. Simpson's Heisman victory by the largest margin in history shows that even before his infamous glove moment, he had a knack for standing out from the pack. Joe Burrow's record-breaking percentage of possible points earned in Heisman voting cements his status as a quarterback powerhouse, leaving defenders and voters alike in his rearview mirror. And Troy Smith's overwhelming support with 86.7% of first-place votes solidifies his place as the undeniable favorite in his Heisman campaign, proving that sometimes, the competition isn't even close - it's as clear as a touchdown on the goal line.
