The Heisman Trophy, awarded annually to the most outstanding player in college football, is one of the most prestigious accolades in sports. As we approach the 2024 Heisman Trophy Ceremony, set to take place on December 9, 2024, it’s a fitting time to reflect on some of the greatest winners in the award’s storied history. These athletes not only dominated the gridiron but also left an indelible mark on the sport. Here’s a look at the top seven Heisman Trophy winners of all time.
Barry Sanders – Oklahoma State (1988)
Barry Sanders’ 1988 season at Oklahoma State remains one of the most remarkable individual performances in college football history. Sanders rushed for an astounding 2,628 yards and 37 touchdowns, numbers that seem almost impossible. He wasn’t just a running back; he was a one-man highlight reel who could break a game wide open every time he touched the ball.
Sanders also contributed on special teams, accumulating 3,250 all-purpose yards, an NCAA record that stood for nearly three decades. His combination of speed, agility, and vision made him unstoppable, and he walked away with the Heisman Trophy in a landslide victory, leaving no doubt that he was the best player in college football that year.
Joe Burrow – LSU (2019)
Joe Burrow’s 2019 season at LSU is often cited as the greatest by a quarterback in college football history. Burrow led the Tigers to a national championship with a perfect 15-0 record, throwing for 5,671 yards and 60 touchdowns, with only six interceptions.
His poise and accuracy were unmatched, as he completed 76.3% of his passes. Burrow’s leadership and performance under pressure were key to LSU’s success, and his record-setting Heisman win, with 93.88% of the total possible votes, remains the largest margin of victory in the trophy’s history. Burrow made it all look easy, but what he accomplished in 2019 was nothing short of extraordinary.
Marcus Allen – USC (1981)
In 1981, Marcus Allen became the first player in NCAA history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season, finishing with 2,427 yards. Allen’s blend of power and finesse set him apart, as he set 14 NCAA records that season, including five consecutive games with 200 yards or more.
His dominance on the field not only led to individual accolades but also significantly boosted the USC Trojans odds in every game they played that year. He also scored 23 touchdowns and led USC in receiving, showcasing his versatility. Allen’s performance that year was so dominant that he outshone fellow legend Herschel Walker, who would have won the Heisman in almost any other year. Allen’s Heisman season remains one of the greatest in the annals of college football.
Cam Newton – Auburn (2010)
Cam Newton’s 2010 season at Auburn was a tour de force. Newton became just the second quarterback to throw and rush for 20 touchdowns in a single season, passing for 2,854 yards and 30 touchdowns while rushing for 1,473 yards and another 20 touchdowns. His dual-threat capability was unlike anything college football had seen, and he led Auburn to a national championship.
Newton’s ability to elevate the play of those around him, despite not having an elite supporting cast, was remarkable. His comeback victory against Alabama, where he led Auburn from a 24-point deficit, stands as one of the greatest individual performances in the sport’s history.
Tony Dorsett – Pittsburgh (1976)
Tony Dorsett’s Heisman-winning season in 1976 was the culmination of a brilliant college career. Dorsett rushed for 2,150 yards and 22 touchdowns, leading Pittsburgh to a national championship. He averaged an incredible 215 yards per game over the final seven games of the season and capped off his career with a 202-yard performance against Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. Dorsett was college football’s all-time leading rusher until Ricky Williams broke his record 22 years later.
Herschel Walker – Georgia (1982)
Herschel Walker’s Heisman win in 1982 capped off one of the most impressive college careers of all time. Walker rushed for 1,752 yards and 16 touchdowns, leading Georgia to its third consecutive SEC Championship and an appearance in the national title game. What made Walker’s achievements even more remarkable was that he played much of the season with a fractured thumb.
Bo Jackson – Auburn (1985)
Bo Jackson’s 1985 Heisman Trophy win solidified his place as one of the greatest athletes in history. Jackson rushed for 1,786 yards and 17 touchdowns during his senior season at Auburn, averaging an impressive 6.4 yards per carry. His blend of speed, power, and grace was unmatched, and he could break a long run on any given play. Jackson was not only a dominant force on the football field but also an accomplished baseball player, making him one of the most versatile athletes ever.
Conclusion
The Heisman Trophy is more than just an award; it’s a symbol of excellence in college football. The players on this list not only dominated their respective seasons but also changed the game in ways that are still felt today. As we look forward to the 2024 Heisman Trophy Ceremony, we are reminded of the incredible talent and unforgettable moments that have defined the history of this prestigious award.