Over a decade after Southern California vacated the award following an NCAA investigation, the Heisman Trust has announced that Reggie Bush has been reinstated as the 2005 Heisman Trophy recipient.
Bush initially won the prestigious trophy for his exceptional performance in 2005, amassing over 2,000 scrimmage yards and scoring 18 touchdowns. His 784 first-place votes marked the fifth-highest total in Heisman history.
However, in 2010, USC faced NCAA sanctions after it was discovered that Bush’s family had received impermissible benefits from sports agents. As a result, Bush was stripped of his Heisman Trophy, and USC’s 13 wins in which he played were erased.
The Heisman Trust’s decision to reinstate Bush was made after careful consideration of the evolving college athletics landscape. The Supreme Court’s 2021 ruling, which questioned the legality of the NCAA’s amateurism model, along with the introduction of NIL payments for athletes, played a significant role in their decision.
The Trust recognized that the compensation of student athletes has become an accepted practice and decided that it was the right time to return the Trophy to Bush, who was undoubtedly the most outstanding college football player of 2005.
Bush expressed his gratitude for the reinstatement, stating that he was thrilled to reunite with his fellow Heisman winners and be a part of its storied legacy. He also emphasized his commitment to working with the Heisman Trust to promote the values and mission of the organization.
The USC football program welcomed the decision, posting on social media that the trophy was “back where it belongs.” With Bush’s reinstatement, USC now boasts eight Heisman winners, more than any other school.
The decision has been praised by fellow Heisman winners, including Johnny Manziel, Caleb Williams, and Robert Griffin III. Manziel had previously stated that he would not participate in Heisman festivities unless Bush got his trophy back, and he thanked the Trust for doing “what’s right.”
