Reggie Bush has reclaimed his 2005 Heisman Trophy, with the Heisman Trust announcing its formal “reinstatement” on Wednesday amidst what it terms “enormous changes in the college football landscape.”
This decision follows Bush’s voluntarily forfeiting his Heisman Trophy in 2010 due to significant NCAA sanctions against USC, stemming from Bush’s receipt of improper benefits during his Trojans career from 2003 to 2005.
In the latest development, the Heisman Trust has returned the trophy to Bush and a replica to USC. Starting from the 2024 season, Bush will once again be invited to all future Heisman Trophy ceremonies.
Expressing his joy, 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.”
The formal return of Bush’s Heisman Trophy took place at the end of a previously scheduled summit meeting of the Trust, with around 15 former Heisman winners present, describing a “celebratory atmosphere.”
The decision to reinstate the Heisman Trophy was reached through a “deliberative process” by the Heisman Trust, considering the significant changes in college athletics in recent years. This includes the acceptance and legalization of student-athlete compensation.
“We are thrilled to welcome Reggie Bush back to the Heisman family in recognition of his collegiate accomplishments,” said Michael Comerford, president of The Heisman Trophy Trust.
Bush began advocating for the return of his trophy after rules allowing athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness were implemented in 2021. He received support from various quarters, including other Heisman winners.
The Heisman Trust also noted the 2021 Supreme Court decision against the NCAA in the Alston case, which challenged the legality of the NCAA’s amateurism model and paved the way for student-athlete compensation.
With Bush’s Heisman Trophy reinstated, USC now officially boasts eight Heisman Trophies, the most of any school in the country.
Bush’s tenure at USC was marked by exceptional performances, making him one of the most outstanding college athletes of the 21st century. He was drafted No. 2 overall in the 2006 NFL draft, with only one other tailback being picked as high since then.
His dominance in 2005, where he accounted for 2,890 all-purpose yards, resulted in his receiving the fifth-most first-place votes in Heisman Trophy history.
Now, nearly two decades after his standout season, Reggie Bush once again holds his Heisman Trophy.
