In an announcement, the Heisman Trust revealed on Wednesday that Reggie Bush has officially been reinstated as the recipient of the 2005 Heisman Trophy. This decision comes after Bush voluntarily forfeited the trophy in 2010 due to significant NCAA sanctions imposed on the University of Southern California (USC). The sanctions were a result of Bush receiving improper benefits during his college football career at USC from 2003 to 2005.
As part of the reinstatement, the Heisman Trust will return the original Heisman Trophy to Bush and provide a replica to USC. Furthermore, Bush will now be invited to all future Heisman Trophy ceremonies, beginning in the 2024 season.
Expressing his excitement, Bush stated, “Personally, I’m thrilled to reunite with my fellow Heisman winners and be a part of the storied legacy of the Heisman Trophy, and I’m honored to return to the Heisman family.” He also expressed his eagerness to work alongside the Heisman Trust in advancing the values and mission of the organization.
The formal presentation of the Heisman Trophy to Bush took place during a summit meeting of the Heisman Trust, where approximately 15 Heisman winners were in attendance. Tim Henning, associate director of the Heisman Trust, described the atmosphere as “celebratory,” with the other winners expressing their excitement to see Bush.
The decision to reinstate the Heisman Trophy was made after a thorough and deliberative process by the Heisman Trust, taking into account the significant changes in college athletics in recent years. The Trust acknowledged the shift in rules allowing student-athletes to receive compensation for their name, image, and likeness, which has become an accepted practice in the college sports landscape.
Michael Comerford, president of The Heisman Trophy Trust, stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Reggie Bush back to the Heisman family in recognition of his collegiate accomplishments. We considered the enormous changes in college athletics over the last several years in deciding that now is the right time to reinstate the trophy for Reggie. We are so happy to welcome him back.”
Bush’s campaign for the return of his trophy gained momentum after the enactment of rules allowing student-athletes to be compensated. He received support from various Heisman winners, including Johnny Manziel, Matt Leinart, and Tim Brown, who publicly advocated for the reinstatement of Bush’s trophy.
The Heisman Trust also cited the 2021 Supreme Court decision in the Alston case, which questioned the NCAA’s amateurism model and affirmed the legality of student-athlete compensation, as a factor in their decision.
With the return of the Heisman Trophy, USC now holds a record-breaking eight Heisman Trophies, surpassing schools like Ohio State, Oklahoma, and Notre Dame, who each have seven.
USC President Carol Folt expressed her joy, stating, “I am so happy for Reggie and the entire Trojan Family. He won our hearts during his illustrious career and deserved to have his well-earned honor restored.”
Reggie Bush’s college football career at USC was marked by his exceptional talent and accomplishments. He averaged 8.5 yards per touch from scrimmage and accounted for 42 career touchdowns over three seasons. Bush was selected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2006 NFL draft.
USC coach Lincoln Riley celebrated the reintroduction of Bush to the Heisman Family, calling it a special moment for the entire USC football community. He expressed his delight in recognizing all eight of USC’s Heisman winners and acknowledged Bush as one of the greatest players in the history of the game.
After nearly two decades, Reggie Bush has finally reclaimed his Heisman Trophy, solidifying his place among college football’s most exceptional athletes.
