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In the mid-2000s, former USC running back Reggie Bush was one of the brightest stars at any level of football. The two-time National Champion is regarded as one of the most exciting college football players ever, and he won a Heisman Trophy for his efforts.
However, after reports emerged that the Heisman Trust would have his 2005 Heisman Trophy revoked, he voluntarily forfeited his title in 2010 and has not been recognized as the winner since.
On Wednesday, ESPN's Pete Thamel reports that he is set to receive his Heisman Trophy back after 14 years of controversy. What led to Bush surrendering his Heisman, and why is he getting it back? Let's dive in.
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Reggie Bush 2005 Season Review
During the 2005 season, Bush rushed 200 times for 1,740 yards and 16 touchdowns. He added 37 receptions for 478 yards and two touchdowns in the passing game for Pete Carroll's program. He earned 784 first-place votes for the Heisman, which far exceeded Texas QB Vince Young (79) and USC QB Matt Leinart (18). The voting discrepancy made him one of the best winners of the award ever.
On Reggie Bush's 34th birthday, a reminder that he was must-watch TV back at USC 👀 pic.twitter.com/DZeZ7HPyFg
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) March 2, 2019
After the season, Bush was selected with the No. 2 overall pick by the New Orleans Saints.
Reggie Bush Reinstated As Heisman Winner
An investigation of USC's football team found that the program "lacked institutional control", and Bush was given multiple improper benefits during his Trojans career. This was well before the NIL era, so Bush receiving cars, cash, and other rewards was clearly prohibited. These developments led to him giving up college football's greatest individual award.
Following the approval of name-image-likeness in college athletics, Bush has been pushing to be re-instated as the 2005 Heisman winner, and fellow trophy-yielders have supported him throughout the process.
Welcome Home!
We are reinstating the 2005 Heisman Trophy to the University of Southern California’s @ReggieBush!
In 2005, Bush gained more than 2000 yards from scrimmage and scored 18 touchdowns. He received 784 first-place votes, the fifth-most in Heisman Trophy history, while… pic.twitter.com/34oCD7P8CY
— The Heisman Trophy (@HeismanTrophy) April 24, 2024
Fortunately, his campaign to be reinstated is now successful. "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. "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."
With the new era of college football underway, it will be interesting to see if more previously-punished players, coaches, or programs are given back vacated wins or awards in the near future.
