The Heisman Trophy has crowned college football's top player since 1935, sparking endless debates over dominance, stats, and legacy. From record-breaking seasons to national titles, these winners shaped the sport's history. Vote below to rank them.
What counts: Best means greatest single-season dominance, statistical excellence, and lasting impact on the game. All figures are approximate.
Derrick Henry▲ Rising
Henry's 2015 Alabama season set the SEC rushing record and powered a national title run. His workload and big-play ability were unmatched. The performance defined the modern workhorse back.
Year Won: 2015College: AlabamaPosition: RBNotable Stat: 2,219 rush yardsImpact Rating: 9.2/10NFL Impact: 8/10
added by IJRin 2 rankingsDerrick Henry
Tim Tebow▲ Rising
Tebow's 2007 season combined record rushing production with a national title and unmatched leadership. His dual-threat ability redefined the quarterback position in college football. The win cemented him as the face of Florida's dynasty.
Year Won: 2007College: FloridaPosition: QBNotable Stat: 23 total TDsImpact Rating: 9.5/10NFL Impact: 6/10
added by IJRTim Tebow
Baker Mayfield▲ Rising
Mayfield's 2017 Oklahoma season delivered record passing efficiency and led the nation in scoring. His fiery leadership and arm talent stood out. The win capped a remarkable walk-on-to-Heisman arc.
Year Won: 2017College: OklahomaPosition: QBNotable Stat: 70% completionImpact Rating: 8.9/10NFL Impact: 7/10
added by IJRin 2 rankingsBaker Mayfield
Cam Newton▲ Rising
Newton's 2010 Auburn campaign featured unstoppable rushing and passing en route to a national title. He set the single-season total offense record at the time. The performance made him the prototype modern dual-threat QB.
Year Won: 2010College: AuburnPosition: QBNotable Stat: 2,800+ total yardsImpact Rating: 9.4/10NFL Impact: 8/10
added by IJRCam Newton
Jayden Daniels▲ Rising
Daniels' 2023 LSU season combined record efficiency with Heisman-winning dual-threat numbers. His passing and rushing led the SEC. The year capped a remarkable transfer portal success story.
Year Won: 2023College: LSUPosition: QBNotable Stat: 4,000+ total yardsImpact Rating: 8.3/10NFL Impact: 8/10
added by IJRin 3 rankingsJayden Daniels
Lamar Jackson▲ Rising
Jackson's 2016 Louisville season showcased record rushing by a QB and Heisman-winning dual-threat play. He led the nation in total offense. The year established him as college football's most exciting player.
Year Won: 2016College: LouisvillePosition: QBNotable Stat: 1,500+ rush yardsImpact Rating: 9.1/10NFL Impact: 9/10
added by IJRin 4 rankingsLamar Jackson
Griffin became the only two-time Heisman winner with back-to-back Ohio State titles in 1974-75. His consistent production and team success set the standard. The achievement remains unmatched.
Year Won: 1974-75College: Ohio StatePosition: RBNotable Stat: 5,000+ career yardsImpact Rating: 9/10NFL Impact: 5/10
added by IJRArchie Griffin
Jackson's 1985 Auburn season combined bruising runs with national attention. His speed and power made him a household name. The win highlighted his rare athletic gifts.
Year Won: 1985College: AuburnPosition: RBNotable Stat: 1,800+ rush yardsImpact Rating: 8.8/10NFL Impact: 7/10
added by IJRin 4 rankingsBo Jackson
Joe Burrow▲ Rising
Burrow's 2019 LSU season produced historic passing numbers and a national championship. He threw for over 5,600 yards and 60 touchdowns. The campaign is widely viewed as one of the most statistically dominant ever.
Year Won: 2019College: LSUPosition: QBNotable Stat: 5,671 pass yardsImpact Rating: 9.3/10NFL Impact: 9/10
added by IJRin 4 rankingsJoe Burrow
Sanders' 1988 Oklahoma State season produced the most prolific rushing year in college history. He averaged over 200 yards per game and won the Heisman. The performance is still the benchmark for single-season backs.
Year Won: 1988College: Oklahoma StatePosition: RBNotable Stat: 2,628 rush yardsImpact Rating: 9.4/10NFL Impact: 9/10
added by IJRin 4 rankingsBarry Sanders
Winston's 2013 Florida State season delivered record passing and a national title as a freshman. His arm talent and leadership stood out. The win launched a top draft pick.
Year Won: 2013College: Florida StatePosition: QBNotable Stat: 4,000+ pass yardsImpact Rating: 7.6/10NFL Impact: 6/10
added by IJRJameis Winston
Walker's 1982 Georgia season featured dominant rushing and led to a national championship. His size-speed combination changed the running back position. The year launched a legendary career.
Year Won: 1982College: GeorgiaPosition: RBNotable Stat: 1,800+ rush yardsImpact Rating: 9/10NFL Impact: 7/10
added by IJRHerschel Walker
Young's 2021 Alabama season delivered elite passing efficiency and a national title. His poise and accuracy stood out. The win reinforced Alabama's QB pipeline.
Year Won: 2021College: AlabamaPosition: QBNotable Stat: 4,800 pass yardsImpact Rating: 8.1/10NFL Impact: 6/10
added by IJRin 2 rankingsBryce Young
Johnny Manziel▲ Rising
Manziel's 2012 Texas A&M season brought record total offense and a Heisman win as a freshman. His dual-threat improvisational style captivated fans. The year marked the rise of the modern dual-threat QB.
Year Won: 2012College: Texas A&MPosition: QBNotable Stat: 5,000+ total yardsImpact Rating: 8.6/10NFL Impact: 4/10
added by IJRJohnny Manziel
Williams' 2022 USC season featured record passing and dual-threat production. His highlight-reel plays earned the Heisman. The performance marked the return of elite USC QBs.
Year Won: 2022College: USCPosition: QBNotable Stat: 4,500+ total yardsImpact Rating: 8.4/10NFL Impact: 7/10
added by IJRCaleb Williams
Smith's 2006 Ohio State season featured efficient passing and a Heisman win. His leadership helped a top-ranked team. The year marked a high point for Buckeye QBs.
Year Won: 2006College: Ohio StatePosition: QBNotable Stat: 65% completionImpact Rating: 7.8/10NFL Impact: 4/10
added by IJRTroy Smith
Mariota's 2014 Oregon season set school records for total offense and efficiency. His dual-threat play led to a Heisman win. The performance highlighted the spread offense era.
Year Won: 2014College: OregonPosition: QBNotable Stat: 4,500+ total yardsImpact Rating: 8/10NFL Impact: 7/10
added by IJRMarcus Mariota
Kyler Murray▼ Falling
Murray's 2018 Oklahoma season paired elite passing with Heisman-winning dual-threat play. His speed and arm talent led the nation in efficiency. The win launched a top NFL draft pick.
Year Won: 2018College: OklahomaPosition: QBNotable Stat: 4,000+ pass yardsImpact Rating: 8.5/10NFL Impact: 7/10
added by IJRin 2 rankingsKyler Murray
Watson's 2016 Clemson season combined passing and rushing excellence with a national title. His dual-threat ability shone in big games. The win capped Clemson's rise.
Year Won: 2016College: ClemsonPosition: QBNotable Stat: 4,000+ total yardsImpact Rating: 7.7/10NFL Impact: 7/10
added by IJRDeshaun Watson
Bush's 2005 USC season combined electric returns and rushing with a national title. His highlight-reel plays won the Heisman. The year defined the Trojan dynasty.
Year Won: 2005College: USCPosition: RBNotable Stat: 1,700+ all-purposeImpact Rating: 8/10NFL Impact: 6/10
added by IJRReggie Bush
Smith's 2020 Alabama season set SEC receiving records and powered a national title. His route-running and big-play ability were unmatched. The win highlighted wide receiver excellence.
Year Won: 2020College: AlabamaPosition: WRNotable Stat: 1,800+ rec yardsImpact Rating: 8.2/10NFL Impact: 8/10
added by IJRin 2 rankingsDeVonta Smith
Griffin's 2011 Baylor season broke Big 12 total offense records with elite dual-threat play. His speed and arm won the Heisman. The year elevated Baylor's program.
Year Won: 2011College: BaylorPosition: QBNotable Stat: 4,000+ total yardsImpact Rating: 7.9/10NFL Impact: 5/10
added by IJRin 2 rankingsRobert Griffin III
Williams' 1998 Texas season broke the all-time rushing record and earned the Heisman. His workload and production were unmatched. The year defined the record-chasing back.
Year Won: 1998College: TexasPosition: RBNotable Stat: 2,124 rush yardsImpact Rating: 8.7/10NFL Impact: 6/10
added by IJRin 3 rankingsRicky Williams
Vince Young▼ Falling
Young's 2005 Texas season featured dual-threat dominance and a national title. His Rose Bowl heroics sealed the Heisman legacy. The year defined Texas football's peak.
Year Won: 2005College: TexasPosition: QBNotable Stat: 3,000+ total yardsImpact Rating: 7.8/10NFL Impact: 6/10
added by IJRVince Young
RG3
RG3's 2011 Baylor campaign set conference records with dynamic dual-threat play. His Heisman win elevated the program nationally. The season showcased spread-offense innovation.
Year Won: 2011College: BaylorPosition: QBNotable Stat: 4,000+ total yardsImpact Rating: 7.9/10NFL Impact: 5/10
added by IJR
Mark Ingram▼ Falling
Ingram's 2009 Alabama season featured consistent rushing and a national title. His vision and toughness defined the backfield. The win launched Alabama's modern dynasty.
Year Won: 2009College: AlabamaPosition: RBNotable Stat: 1,600+ rush yardsImpact Rating: 7.5/10NFL Impact: 6/10
added by IJRin 2 rankingsMark Ingram
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Wild that Tim Tebow is winning this. Scroll down — the real answer is further down the board.
Voted, but this order is going to look very different in a month once more people find it.
Somebody explain the Tim Tebow votes to me. Genuinely. I want to understand.
Came for the argument, stayed for the comparison grid. The numbers settle half the fights here.
Tim Tebow at the top is the correct call and I'll die on this hill.