14 years after having his Heisman Trophy taken away, Reggie Bush will have his trophy returned. The 2005 Heisman winner is often considered one of the best players in the history of college football and now the NCAA will have no choice but to recognize his greatness.
“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,” Bush said in a statement to ESPN. “I also look forward to working together with the Heisman Trust to advance the values and mission of the organization.”
According to the Heisman Trust, the decision to reinstate Bush’s Heisman was based on a “deliberative process” and the Trust went on to mention “fundamental changes in college athletics” — including NIL compensation — as reasons for why Bush will have his trophy returned.
“We are thrilled to welcome Reggie Bush back to the Heisman family in recognition of his collegiate accomplishments,” Michael Comerford, president of The Heisman Trophy Trust, said in a statement. “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.”
While at USC, Bush was an unstoppable force. Over three years, Bush scored 42 touchdowns — 25 rushing, 13 receiving, four special teams — averaged 8.5 yards per touch from scrimmage, was a two-time All-American, and rushed for 1,740 yards and 8.7 yards per carry with 16 TD en route to winning the Heisman in 2005.
