Oregon and Miami entered Saturday’s showdown with the hopes of adding another Heisman Trophy winner to their storied programs. Meanwhile, Boise State was on the hunt for its first Heisman recipient. However, it was Colorado that emerged victorious, celebrating the addition of a second Heisman winner to its history. This prestigious award, which recognizes the best player in college football, has a rich legacy that spans nearly a century.
Heisman Trophy winners by school
The Heisman Trophy has seen winners from 40 different schools over its 90-year history. Each program has its own unique story, but some schools have truly stood out. For instance, the University of Southern California (USC) leads the pack with an impressive eight Heisman winners. This includes the recent reinstatement of Reggie Bush’s 2005 victory, which had been vacated due to an improper benefits scandal. Caleb Williams added to USC’s legacy when he took home the award in 2022.
But what about the schools that follow? A three-way tie exists for the second-most Heisman winners, with Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Oklahoma each boasting seven trophies. The Sooners have become a quarterback powerhouse, with Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray winning in consecutive years, 2017 and 2018. Ohio State’s last win came from Troy Smith in 2006, while Notre Dame hasn’t seen a Heisman winner since Tim Brown in 1987.
Colorado’s Heisman history
Before diving deeper into the numbers, let’s take a moment to appreciate Colorado’s Heisman journey. The Buffaloes previously celebrated Rashaan Salaam’s win in 1994, and now they can proudly add Travis Hunter to that list. Hunter, a two-way star, has made waves this season, showcasing his talent on both sides of the ball. His performance not only solidified his status as a frontrunner but also highlighted Colorado’s resurgence in college football.
As for Oregon and Miami, both programs have a rich history of their own. The Ducks celebrated Marcus Mariota’s Heisman victory in 2014, while the Hurricanes have two awards under their belt, thanks to quarterbacks Vinny Testaverde (1986) and Gino Torretta (1992). Each of these schools has produced exceptional talent, but the quest for another Heisman winner continues.
What school has the most Heisman winners?
When it comes to the Heisman Trophy, USC stands tall with eight winners. The Trojans’ illustrious history began with running backs like Mike Garrett in 1965 and O.J. Simpson in 1968. Carson Palmer won the award in 2002, followed by Matt Leinart in 2004. The legacy continued with Reggie Bush in 2005 and most recently, Caleb Williams in 2022. This impressive lineage of talent showcases USC’s ability to produce elite players year after year.
Ohio State’s Heisman winners are noteworthy in their own right. The Buckeyes have six different players who have claimed the trophy, with Archie Griffin being the only player to win it twice, in 1974 and 1975. This remarkable achievement sets Griffin apart in college football history. Other notable winners from Ohio State include Les Horvath, Vic Janowicz, Eddie George, and Troy Smith.
Notre Dame’s Heisman legacy
The Fighting Irish have a rich history of Heisman winners, particularly during the 1940s and 1950s. Players like Angelo Bertelli (1943), Johnny Lujack (1947), and Leon Hart (1949) brought home the trophy during this golden era. However, since Tim Brown’s win in 1987, Notre Dame has been waiting for another player to join this elite club. The program’s storied past continues to inspire hope for future Heisman candidates.
Oklahoma’s quarterback dominance
Oklahoma has emerged as a quarterback factory in recent years, producing four Heisman-winning QBs in just over a decade. Jason White (2003) and Sam Bradford (2008) were the pioneers, paving the way for the likes of Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray, who won back-to-back trophies in 2017 and 2018. This impressive run highlights Oklahoma’s ability to develop top-tier talent at the quarterback position, making them a formidable force in college football.
Heisman winners: A closer look
The Heisman Trophy is more than just an award; it represents the pinnacle of achievement in college football. Each winner has their own unique story, and the competition for the trophy is fierce. As we reflect on the rich history of the Heisman, it’s essential to recognize the impact these players have had on their respective programs and the sport as a whole.
In total, there have been 40 different schools that have celebrated a Heisman winner. While USC leads the way, programs like Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Oklahoma have made their mark as well. As we look forward to the future of college football, the question remains: who will be the next player to etch their name into Heisman history? The excitement is palpable, and the journey continues.
