Heisman Trophy’s Biggest Snubs in College Football History
the Heisman Trophy, awarded annually to the most outstanding player in college football, frequently enough sparks debate and controversy. While some seasons produce clear-cut winners, others leave fans and pundits questioning the voters’ choices. throughout history, several exceptional players have delivered remarkable performances, onyl to be overlooked for the coveted award, sparking enduring debate about the biggest Heisman snubs.
Here’s a look at 10 of the most notable Heisman snubs in college football history:
10. Eddie George Over Tommie Frazier (1995)
Eddie George undoubtedly had a stellar 1995 season as a senior running back for Ohio State, rushing for an impressive 1,826 yards and 23 touchdowns. His performance was instrumental in leading the Buckeyes to an 11-2 record.However, Tommie Frazier’s accomplishments were arguably even more impressive.
As Nebraska’s quarterback, Frazier displayed remarkable dual-threat abilities, throwing for 1,362 yards and 17 touchdowns while only throwing four interceptions. His rushing skills were equally formidable, amassing 604 yards and 14 touchdowns on 6.2 yards per carry.Leading Nebraska to a perfect 12-0 record, a No. 1 ranking, and back-to-back national championships, Frazier’s case for the Heisman was undeniably strong.His omission from the award remains a point of contention among college football enthusiasts.
## When Heisman Trophy Snubs Make Headlines
The Heisman Trophy,college football’s most prestigious individual award,is often synonymous with offensive brilliance. Quarterbacks and running backs dominate the conversation,making defensive players winning the award a rare feat. Yet, history is filled with moments where exceptional defenders deserved serious consideration.
Here are two examples of Heisman snubs that continue to spark debate:
### Tyrann Mathieu’s Electrifying 2011 Season
Tyrann Mathieu’s 2011 season for LSU was nothing short of stunning. He was a force on defense, racking up 76 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and nine passes defended. His knack for making game-changing plays was undeniable, leading the SEC with six forced fumbles and returning two fumbles and two punts for touchdowns.
While Robert Griffin III’s impressive passing numbers and Baylor’s turnaround narrative earned him the Heisman that year, Mathieu’s all-around dominance arguably deserved recognition as a top contender. Playing a pivotal role on a dominant LSU squad that spent much of the season ranked No. 1, Mathieu showcased the impact a defensive player could have on a championship-caliber team.
### The 1980 Freshman vs.Veteran Dilemma: George Rogers vs. Herschel Walker
The 1980 heisman race pitted two exceptional running backs against each other: George Rogers, a returning standout, and Herschel Walker, a dynamic freshman.
Although Rogers narrowly edged out Walker in the voting, many believe the freshman deserved the trophy. Walker’s 1,616 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns were remarkably close to Rogers’ 1,781 yards and 14 touchdowns.
The prevailing sentiment at the time was that freshmen were ineligible for Heisman consideration. This bias likely influenced the outcome, overlooking Walker’s electrifying performances in big games, including a remarkable 219-yard outing against South Carolina.
These Heisman snubs remind us that judging a player’s worth solely on their offensive output overlooks the meaningful contributions of defensive stars.They also highlight the subjective nature of awards and the ever-present debate about who truly deserves recognition for a season’s exceptional performance.
Biggest Heisman Trophy Snubs: When Did The Wrong Player Win?
The Heisman trophy, college football’s highest individual honor, has a long history of crowning deserving players. But, like any award voted on by humans, there are inevitably players who seem to get overlooked. Here are two of the most debated Heisman Trophy snubs in history:
Archie Griffin Over Chuck Muncie (1975)
In 1975, Ohio State’s Archie Griffin became the first and only two-time Heisman Trophy winner. However, some argue that California’s Chuck Muncie deserved the award that year. Muncie had a phenomenal season,amassing 1,460 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns,nine more than Griffin. He also added two receiving touchdowns, leading the nation in scrimmage touchdowns with 15. while Griffin led his 11-1 Buckeyes to a triumphant season, Muncie carried an 8-3 cal team.
Chris Weinke Over LaDainian Tomlinson (2000)
In 2000, Florida State quarterback Chris Weinke won the Heisman Trophy, leading his team to the BCS Championship Game while topping the FBS in passing yards and finishing second in passing touchdowns.However, many argue LaDainian Tomlinson, who was leading the FBS in rushing for the second consecutive season and putting up massive yardage totals for TCU, deserved the award. Tomlinson was instrumental in leading TCU to its first 10-win season since 1938.## College Football’s Biggest Heisman Trophy Snubs
The Heisman Trophy, college football’s most prestigious individual award, has crowned many deserving winners over the years. However, history is also filled with players who, despite putting up phenomenal seasons, fell just short of the coveted honor. Some Heisman snubs have become legendary, sparking endless debates among fans and analysts. Here are some of the most notable cases:
**Reggie Bush vs. Vince young (2005):**
USC’s Reggie Bush dominated the field in 2005, leading the FBS with 8.7 yards per rush attempt and racking up 1,740 rushing yards. He also led the nation in scrimmage yards, highlighting his versatile skill set. Though, Texas quarterback Vince Young had a historically great season of his own. Young threw for 3,026 yards and 26 touchdowns while also rushing for 1,050 yards and 12 touchdowns. Young’s electrifying performances culminated in a national title victory for Texas against Bush and the Trojans, solidifying his claim to the Heisman Trophy.
**Gino Torretta vs. Marshall faulk (1992):**
Many believe San Diego State running back Marshall Faulk was robbed of the 1992 heisman trophy. Faulk led the nation with 24 scrimmage touchdowns and 300 carries, amassing an impressive 1,530 rushing yards. Despite his dominance, Faulk’s candidacy was arguably hampered by San Diego State’s 6-6 record, which limited his national exposure. Gino Torretta, the Miami quarterback, ultimately won the award that year.
**Other Notable Snubs:**
While the Bush/Young and Torretta/Faulk races stand out, many other Heisman snubs have left fans debating the merits of different candidates. These debates demonstrate the passion and complexity surrounding college football’s most coveted individual award.
Biggest Heisman Trophy snubs of All Time
The Heisman Trophy, awarded annually to college football’s most outstanding player, has seen its fair share of close calls and controversial decisions. Some snubs, however, stand out above the rest due to the overwhelming talent and dominance of the overlooked players. Here are three of the biggest Heisman Trophy snubs in history.
3. Jason White over Larry Fitzgerald (2003)
Jason White had a remarkable season for Oklahoma in 2003, throwing for 40 touchdowns and 3,846 yards. However, his stellar performance was eclipsed by the groundbreaking numbers posted by Pittsburgh wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who won the receiving triple crown that year. Fitzgerald hauled in an remarkable 92 receptions for 1,672 yards and 22 touchdowns, averaging nearly two touchdowns per game. While White was undoubtedly talented, Fitzgerald’s exceptional year made him the clear frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy.
2. Gary Beban Over O.J. Simpson (1967)
In 1967, UCLA quarterback Gary Beban claimed the Heisman Trophy thanks to his prowess through the air. He led the nation in several passing categories, including completions, attempts, completion percentage, yards, and touchdowns.
Though, O.J. Simpson’s electrifying performance at running back for USC overshadowed Beban’s achievement. Simpson led the nation in rushing attempts (266), rushing yards (1,415), and rushing touchdowns (11).He was also the most impactful player in the country, leading with 276 plays from scrimmage. Simpson would go on to win the Heisman the following year.
1. Paul Hornung Over Jim Brown, Johnny Majors, or Tommy McDonald (1956)
The 1956 Heisman Trophy race featured a truly stacked field of candidates, including future NFL legends Jim Brown, Johnny Majors, and Tommy McDonald. Despite facing stiff competition, Notre Dame’s Paul Hornung emerged as the winner.
While Hornung was a versatile and talented player, many argue that Brown, Majors, or McDonald deserved the award more.Brown dominated the college football landscape with his incredible running ability, Majors was a standout quarterback and defensive back, and McDonald was a prolific receiver.The 1956 Heisman vote remains one of the most debated in history due to the sheer talent of the finalists.
Heisman Trophy Snubs: Paul Hornung’s win A shocking Example
In 1956,the Heisman trophy went to Notre Dame’s Paul Hornung, a surprising choice to many. His modest passing and rushing statistics—under 1,000 passing yards, under 500 rushing yards, three touchdowns, and 13 interceptions—stand in stark contrast to those of other contenders that year.
What made Hornung’s win even more surprising were the stellar seasons put up by Jim Brown, Jon Majors, and Jimmy Brown. These three players rushed for an impressive seven, 12, and 13 touchdowns respectively. Brown and McDonald nearly eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards, with Brown racking up 986 yards and McDonald trailing closely behind with 853.
Many argue that any of these three players would have been a more fitting recipient of college football’s most prestigious individual award.
Other Controversial Heisman Trophies
- 1964: John Huarte over Jerry Rhome
- 1980: George Rogers over Herschel Walker
- 1990: Ty Detmer over Eric Bieniemy
The heisman Trophy has long been a source of debate and contention in the world of college football. While it honors the most outstanding player each season, the subjective nature of the voting process frequently enough leads to disagreements about who truly deserved the award. Here are some of the most notable heisman trophy snubs,as highlighted in the text:
Biggest Heisman Trophy Snubs: When Did The Wrong Player Win?
The Heisman trophy,college footballS highest individual honor,has a long history of crowning deserving players. But, like any award voted on by humans, there are inevitably players who seem to get overlooked. Here are two of the most debated Heisman Trophy snubs in history:
Archie Griffin Over Chuck Muncie (1975)
In 1975,Ohio State’s Archie Griffin became the first and only two-time Heisman Trophy winner. However, some argue that California’s Chuck muncie deserved the award that year. Muncie had a phenomenal season, amassing 1,460 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns, nine more then Griffin. He also added two receiving touchdowns, leading the nation in scrimmage touchdowns wiht 15. while Griffin led his 11-1 Buckeyes to a triumphant season, Muncie carried an 8-3 cal team.
chris Weinke Over LaDainian Tomlinson (2000)
In 2000, Florida State quarterback chris Weinke won the Heisman Trophy, leading his team to the BCS Championship game while topping the FBS in passing yards and finishing second in passing touchdowns. However,manny argue LaDainian Tomlinson,who was leading the FBS in rushing for the second consecutive season and putting up massive yardage totals for TCU,deserved the award. Tomlinson was instrumental in leading TCU to its first 10-win season since 1938.
## College Football’s Biggest Heisman Trophy Snubs
The Heisman Trophy, college football’s most prestigious individual award, has crowned many deserving winners over the years. However, history is also filled with players who, despite putting up phenomenal seasons, fell just short of the coveted honor.Some Heisman snubs have become legendary, sparking endless debates among fans and analysts. Here are some of the most notable cases:
**Reggie Bush vs. Vince young (2005):**
USC’s Reggie bush dominated the field in 2005, leading the FBS with 8.7 yards per rush attempt and racking up 1,740 rushing yards. He also led the nation in scrimmage yards, highlighting his versatile skill set. Though, Texas quarterback Vince Young had a historically great season of his own. Young threw for 3,026 yards and 26 touchdowns while also rushing for 1,050 yards and 12 touchdowns. Young’s electrifying performances culminated in a national title victory for Texas against Bush and the Trojans, solidifying his claim to the Heisman Trophy.
**Gino Torretta vs. Marshall Faulk (1992):**
Many believe San Diego State running back Marshall Faulk was robbed of the 1992 Heisman trophy. Faulk led the nation with 24 scrimmage touchdowns and 300 carries, amassing an impressive 1,530 rushing yards.Despite his dominance, Faulk’s candidacy was arguably hampered by San Diego State’s 6-6 record, wich limited his national exposure. Gino Torretta, the Miami quarterback, ultimately won the award that year.
**Other Notable Snubs:**
While the Bush/Young and Torretta/Faulk races stand out, many other Heisman snubs have left fans debating the merits of different candidates. These debates demonstrate the passion and complexity surrounding college football’s most coveted individual award.
Biggest Heisman Trophy snubs of All Time
The Heisman Trophy, awarded annually to college football’s most outstanding player, has seen its fair share of close calls and controversial decisions. Some snubs, however, stand out above the rest due to the overwhelming talent and dominance of the overlooked players. Here are three of the biggest Heisman Trophy snubs in history.
3. Jason White over Larry Fitzgerald (2003)
Jason white had a remarkable season for Oklahoma in 2003, throwing for 40 touchdowns and 3,846 yards. However, his stellar performance was eclipsed by the groundbreaking numbers posted by Pittsburgh wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who won the receiving triple crown that year. Fitzgerald hauled in 92 receptions for 1,672 yards and 22 touchdowns, averaging nearly two touchdowns per game.While White was undoubtedly talented, Fitzgerald’s extraordinary year made him the clear frontrunner for the Heisman trophy.
2. Gary Beban Over O.J. Simpson (1967)
In 1967, UCLA quarterback Gary Beban claimed the Heisman Trophy thanks to his prowess through the air. He led the nation in several passing categories, including completions, attempts, completion percentage, yards, and touchdowns.
Though, O.J. Simpson’s electrifying performance at running back for USC overshadowed Beban’s achievement. Simpson led the nation in rushing attempts (266), rushing yards (1,415), and rushing touchdowns (11). He was also the most impactful player in the country, leading with 276 plays from scrimmage. Simpson would go on to win the Heisman the following year.
1. Paul Hornung Over Jim Brown, Johnny Majors, or Tommy McDonald (1956)
The 1956 Heisman Trophy race featured a truly stacked field of candidates, including future NFL legends Jim Brown, Johnny Majors, and tommy McDonald. Despite facing stiff competition, Notre Dame’s Paul Hornung emerged as the winner.
While Hornung was a versatile and talented player, many argue that Brown, Majors, or McDonald deserved the award more. Brown dominated the college football landscape with his amazing running ability, Majors was a standout quarterback and defensive back, and McDonald was a prolific receiver. The 1956 Heisman vote remains one of the most debated in history due to the sheer talent of the finalists.
Heisman Trophy Snubs: Paul Hornung’s win A shocking Example
In 1956, the Heisman trophy went to Notre Dame’s Paul Hornung, a surprising choice to many.His modest passing and rushing statistics—under 1,000 passing yards, under 500 rushing yards, three touchdowns, and 13 interceptions—stand in stark contrast to those of other contenders that year.
What made hornung’s win even more surprising were the stellar seasons put up by Jim Brown, Jon Majors, and Jimmy Brown.These three players rushed for an impressive seven,12,and 13 touchdowns respectively. Brown and McDonald nearly eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards, with Brown racking up 986 yards and McDonald trailing closely behind with 853.
Many argue that any of these three players would have been a more fitting recipient of college football’s most prestigious individual award.
Other Controversial Heisman Trophies
- 1964: John Huarte over Jerry Rhome
- 1980: George Rogers over Herschel Walker
- 1990: Ty Detmer over Eric Bieniemy
Heisman Trophy Snubs: FAQs
**Q: What is a Heisman Trophy snub?**
A Heisman Trophy snub refers to a situation where a player widely considered deserving of the award fails to win it. This often sparks debate among fans and analysts about who truly deserved the recognition.
**Q: Who are some of the most famous Heisman Trophy snubs?**
Some of the most well-known Heisman Trophy snubs include O.J. Simpson losing to Gary Beban in 1967, Herschel Walker losing to George Rogers in 1980, and LaDainian Tomlinson losing to Chris Weinke in 2000.
**Q: Why are there so many Heisman Trophy snubs?**
The Heisman Trophy voting process is subjective,and different voters may prioritize different qualities in a player. This can lead to disagreements about who is most deserving of the award.
**Q: do Heisman Trophy snubs impact a player’s legacy?**
While not winning the Heisman Trophy may be disappointing, it rarely diminishes a player’s overall legacy. Many players who were snubbed for the award still go on to achieve great success in the NFL and are remembered as some of the greatest players in college football history.
The debate surrounding Heisman Trophy snubs is a testament to the passion and excitement surrounding college football. It reminds us that even amidst the awards and accolades, the true beauty of the sport lies in the incredible talent and dedication of its players.
