The Heisman Trophy is the most prestigious award in college football, given annually to the nation’s top player. Since 2000, there have been 23 winners, each with their own unique story and contribution to the game. But who were the best of the best? Here is a ranking of every Heisman Trophy winner of the 21st century, taking into account their individual statistics, team success, and legacy:
Tagovailoa was one of the most electric players in college football history. He threw for 3,966 yards and 43 touchdowns in 2018, leading Alabama to a 14-0 record and a College Football Playoff championship. He was also just 19 years old at the time, making him the youngest Heisman Trophy winner ever.
Burrow had one of the greatest seasons in college football history in 2019. He threw for 5,671 yards and 60 touchdowns, leading LSU to a 15-0 record and a national championship. He also set the FBS record for completion percentage (76.3%) and was the first player in FBS history to throw for over 5,000 yards and 60 touchdowns in a season.
Jackson was the most dynamic player in college football in 2016. He ran for 1,571 yards and 21 touchdowns, and passed for 3,543 yards and 30 touchdowns, leading Louisville to a 9-3 record. He was also the first player in FBS history to rush for over 1,500 yards and pass for over 3,500 yards in a season.
Young had a record-breaking season in 2021. He threw for 4,872 yards and 47 touchdowns, leading Alabama to a 13-2 record and a College Football Playoff championship. He was also the first player in FBS history to throw for over 4,500 yards and 45 touchdowns in a season.
Murray was a dynamic playmaker in 2018. He threw for 4,361 yards and 42 touchdowns, and ran for 1,001 yards and 12 touchdowns, leading Oklahoma to a 12-2 record and a College Football Playoff berth. He was also the first player in FBS history to throw for over 4,000 yards and run for over 1,000 yards in a season.
Tebow was a dominant force in 2007. He rushed for 1,681 yards and 18 touchdowns, and passed for 3,132 yards and 32 touchdowns, leading Florida to a 13-1 record and a BCS national championship.
Young was a true dual-threat quarterback in 2005. He ran for 1,050 yards and 12 touchdowns, and passed for 3,019 yards and 26 touchdowns, leading Texas to a 13-0 record and a Rose Bowl victory over Southern Cal.
Bush was a versatile playmaker in 2005. He rushed for 1,740 yards and 16 touchdowns, and caught 47 passes for 558 yards and 5 touchdowns, leading USC to a 12-1 record and a Rose Bowl victory over Texas.
Ingram was a workhorse running back in 2009. He rushed for 1,658 yards and 17 touchdowns, leading Alabama to a 14-0 record and a BCS national championship.
Henry was a powerful running back in 2015. He rushed for 2,219 yards and 28 touchdowns, leading Alabama to a 14-1 record and a College Football Playoff championship.
These five players all had great seasons and were in contention for the Heisman Trophy, but they ultimately finished outside the top 10. However, they are all deserving of recognition for their outstanding play:
Leinart won the Heisman Trophy in 2004 after leading USC to a 13-0 record and a Rose Bowl victory over Michigan. He finished the season with 3,338 passing yards and 33 touchdowns.
White won the Heisman Trophy in 2003 after leading Oklahoma to a 12-1 record and a BCS national championship. He finished the season with 3,846 passing yards and 40 touchdowns.
Palmer won the Heisman Trophy in 2002 after leading USC to a 11-2 record. He finished the season with 3,980 passing yards and 33 touchdowns.
Vick won the Heisman Trophy in 2000 after leading Virginia Tech to an 11-1 record. He finished the season with 2,077 passing yards, 1,203 rushing yards, and 21 total touchdowns.
Weinke won the Heisman Trophy in 2000 after leading Florida State to a 12-1 record and a Sugar Bowl victory over Florida. He finished the season with 4,167 passing yards and 33 touchdowns.
The Heisman Trophy is the most prestigious award in college football, and it has been won by some of the greatest players in the history of the game. The 21st century has seen some of the most dominant Heisman Trophy winners ever, and it is difficult to rank them all. However, the players listed above are all deserving of recognition for their outstanding play and contributions to the game of college football.
