Reggie Bush has been reinstated as the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner, more than a decade after Southern California returned the award following an NCAA investigation that found he received what were impermissible benefits during his time with the Trojans. The Heisman Trust announced the decision on Wednesday, stating that it considered the significant changes in college athletics over the last several years, including the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2021 decision that questioned the legality of the NCAA’s amateurism model and opened the door to athlete compensation. Additionally, the NCAA’s recent proposal to remove the cap on education-related payments was taken into account. The Trust believes that these changes have created an environment where athlete compensation is an accepted practice and has decided that now is the right time to return the Trophy to Bush, who was undoubtedly the most outstanding college football player of 2005. Bush had won the trophy after amassing more than 2,000 yards from scrimmage and scoring 18 touchdowns in 2005. His 784 first-place votes were the fifth most in Heisman history. The Heisman Trust has returned the trophy to Bush and the replica to USC. Bush will be invited to all future Heisman Trophy ceremonies.
Reggie Bush Reinstated as 2005 Heisman Trophy Winner
