The top 10 Heisman Trophy snubs of all time highlight how elusive the prestigious award can be, sometimes overlooking remarkable seasons in favor of less deserving candidates.
Aside from the infamous 2005 season, which sparked intense debates, let’s examine the most glaring Heisman snubs in college football history.
Here are the 10 most notable snubs, as researched by FOX Sports.
10. Eddie George won over Tommie Frazier (1995)
In 1995, Eddie George delivered an outstanding performance, rushing for a nation-leading 1,826 yards and scoring 23 touchdowns. His contributions were crucial in leading Ohio State to an 11-2 record, making him a deserving candidate for the Heisman.
In a surprising twist, RG3 put together a phenomenal season in 2011, throwing for 4,293 yards and 37 touchdowns, leading Baylor to a 10-3 record. However, Tyrann Mathieu’s all-around play, which included 76 tackles, six forced fumbles, and multiple return touchdowns, made him a standout on the field, deserving of more recognition.
8. George Rogers won over Herschel Walker (1980)
The 1980 Heisman race was a tight contest between George Rogers and a freshman Herschel Walker, whose performance was remarkable. Rogers finished the season with 1,781 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, while Walker’s 1,616 yards and 15 touchdowns showcased his talent, particularly in pivotal games.
Walker’s standout performances, including 219 yards against South Carolina and 238 yards against Florida, should have given him the edge in this memorable rivalry.
7. Archie Griffin won over Chuck Muncie (1975)
Archie Griffin had a solid season in 1975, rushing for 1,357 yards, but he struggled to find the end zone as he had in his previous Heisman-winning year. His performance was commendable, yet Chuck Muncie’s season was equally impressive, raising questions about Griffin’s repeat win.
6. Chris Weinke won over LaDainian Tomlinson (2000)
In 2000, Chris Weinke led Florida State to the BCS Championship Game, showcasing his skills by leading the FBS in passing yards. However, LaDainian Tomlinson’s remarkable performance at TCU, which included 2,158 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns, made him a worthy candidate for the Heisman.
5. Reggie Bush won over Vince Young (2005)
Reggie Bush was a key player for USC in 2005, leading the nation with 8.7 yards per rush attempt and finishing with 1,740 rushing yards. Despite his impressive stats, Vince Young had a magical season, leading Texas to a national title with staggering numbers that included over 3,000 passing yards and more than 1,000 rushing yards.
Young’s ability to deliver in high-pressure situations and his dual-threat capability made him a strong contender for the Heisman.
4. Gino Torretta won over Marshall Faulk (1992)
Gino Torretta had a strong season in 1991, leading the nation in passing yards. In 1992, however, his performance did not match the expectations set by his previous year, failing to lead in major categories. Meanwhile, Marshall Faulk’s exceptional ability to score 24 touchdowns and rush for 1,530 yards should have made him a frontrunner for the award.
Unfortunately, Faulk’s team struggled, finishing with a 6-6 record, which likely impacted his Heisman candidacy.
Jason White had a standout year for Oklahoma in 2003, throwing for 40 touchdowns and 3,846 passing yards. However, his numbers did not lead the nation, and he faced stiff competition from Larry Fitzgerald, who dominated the receiving game with 92 receptions, 1,672 yards, and 22 touchdowns.
Fitzgerald’s incredible season should have earned him more recognition in the Heisman race.
2. Gary Beban won over O.J. Simpson (1967)
In 1967, Gary Beban claimed the Heisman Trophy with solid passing statistics, but O.J. Simpson had a more impactful season, leading the nation in rushing yards and attempts. Simpson’s performance, which included 11 rushing touchdowns, showcased his ability to change the game.
His eventual Heisman win in 1968 solidified his legacy, but the 1967 snub remains a topic of discussion.
1. Paul Hornung won over Jim Brown, Johnny Majors, or Tommy McDonald (1956)
Paul Hornung’s Heisman win in 1956 raised eyebrows, as he posted underwhelming statistics for a winner. With fewer than 1,000 passing yards and a mere three touchdowns, his selection sparked debate, especially when compared to the standout seasons of Jim Brown, Johnny Majors, and Tommy McDonald.
Honorable mentions:
- 1964 John Huarte over Jerry Rhome
- 1980 George Rogers over Herschel Walker
- 1990 Ty Detmer over Eric Bieniemy
- 2004: Matt Leinart over Adrian Peterson
