As the Heisman Trophy announcement draws near, the college football world is buzzing with excitement. This year, it seems we might witness a significant shift in the award’s tradition. While quarterbacks have dominated the Heisman landscape in recent years, this season’s finalists include some remarkable non-quarterback talent. Among them, Colorado’s dynamic WR/CB Travis Hunter and Boise State’s explosive RB Ashton Jeanty are making headlines, leaving fans to wonder if one of them could break the quarterback streak.
The Heisman Trophy’s Non-QB Landscape
In the modern, pass-heavy era of college football, quarterbacks have often been the frontrunners for the Heisman Trophy. In fact, only four non-quarterbacks have claimed the prestigious award since 2000. However, the history of the Heisman is rich and varied, showcasing the incredible contributions of players outside the quarterback position. As we celebrate this year’s finalists, it’s a perfect opportunity to reflect on the top non-QB Heisman winners throughout history.
Top 10 Non-QB Heisman Winners
Let’s dive into the remarkable athletes who have redefined the game and left an indelible mark on college football. Here are ten of the best non-quarterback Heisman winners:
10. Herschel Walker, Georgia, 1982
Walker was a college football phenomenon. He helped Georgia to a 1980 national title and won college football’s top award two years later. Walker rushed for an astonishing 5,259 yards and 49 touchdowns in his three seasons at Georgia. He redefined SEC football running backs for a generation.
9. O.J. Simpson, USC, 1968
Before all the insanity that followed his later life, Simpson exploded in college football like a dynamo. In two seasons at USC, he rushed for 3,423 yards and 36 touchdowns. His Heisman season was epic, with Simpson then holding the record for the widest margin of Heisman victory.
8. Billy Cannon, LSU, 1959
Billy Cannon was an LSU star who would appreciate Travis Hunter’s game because his own was not dissimilar. A standout running back, he was also an excellent defensive back and a solid punter. Cannon helped LSU to a title, showcasing his versatility and skill.
7. Ernie Davis, Syracuse, 1961
Davis was a hero whose legacy is bigger than football. He was the first African-American Heisman Trophy winner. Sadly, some voters for the Heisman refused to consider African-American players, but Davis’s play at Syracuse was so impressive that he overcame the racism of the Heisman selection process and won the award.
6. Bo Jackson, Auburn, 1985
Jackson may have been the greatest athlete of the modern era. A baseball and football star, an excellent track competitor, he did everything well. Jackson rushed for 4,303 yards and brought Auburn into competition at the top of the SEC, solidifying his status as a legend.
5. Barry Sanders, Oklahoma State, 1988
Sanders’s 1988 season is the standard for running backs. It’s his record of 2,628 rushing yards that Ashton Jeanty is chasing. But Sanders gained his yards (and his 37 rushing touchdowns) in just 11 games. Nobody will really be better than Barry.
4. Desmond Howard, Michigan, 1991
Every time a Heisman candidate breaks into the Heisman statue pose, he’s paying tribute to Desmond Howard. An outstanding receiver and kick returner for Michigan, Howard broke out the move during his 1991 season and changed the culture forever. He scored 23 touchdowns in his Heisman season and was an all-around superstar.
3. Derrick Henry, Alabama, 2015
Henry had a brilliant junior season at Alabama that made him a no-doubt Heisman winner. His 2,219 yards and 28 touchdowns demonstrated Alabama’s SEC dominance. Henry has gone on to have a stellar NFL career and seems destined to be remembered as one of the best running backs of all time.
2. Charles Woodson, Michigan, 1997
The only defensive winner of the award, Woodson again has some strong Travis Hunter vibes. Like Hunter, Woodson’s coaches realized that he could have an impact on offense (and help his Heisman candidacy). Unlike Hunter, Woodson was just an occasional player on offense. But the lockdown corner shocked Tennessee’s Peyton Manning and won the award over the UT favorite in an epic surprise.
1. Archie Griffin, Ohio State, 1974 and 1975
Griffin is the only player ever to win two Heisman awards. As young players have started to win, it’s fair to wonder if someone else can equal that mark. But it’s also unlikely. It’s been 50 years since Griffin made football history. The Ohio State star still stands alone with his pair of Heismans, and he may always stand alone.
The Future of the Heisman Trophy
With the Heisman Trophy announcement on the horizon, fans are left to ponder whether this year will mark the end of the quarterback dominance in the award’s history. The impressive performances of non-QB finalists like Travis Hunter and Ashton Jeanty have sparked a conversation about the evolution of the game and the recognition of diverse talents on the field.
What do you think of our top non-QB Heisman winners? Share your thoughts below in our comments section! The excitement surrounding this year’s Heisman race is palpable, and it’s a thrilling time for college football fans everywhere.
