1. Reggie Bush (2005)
There are obviously major asterisks with the idea of both giving Reggie Bush the #1 overall spot on this list, and/or even “officially” referring to him as a Heisman Trophy recipient. But facts are facts: in 2005, Bush had one of the greatest seasons by any college football player in the history of the NCAA, as a rushing and receiving dual-threat weapon for the University of Southern California Trojans.
He was the personification of the idea of “he could take it to the house any time he touches the football.” His 38 combined offensive touchdowns — playing for Trojans’ squads that were dripping with talent — doesn’t even do justice to the way he absolutely shredded opponents on a weekly basis. When Bush was given the award in 2005, it was the most lopsided voting in Heisman Trophy history, with Bush winning just under 92% of the first place votes. Consider just how staggering of a fact that is, given that the other two finalists were USC quarterback Matt Leinart and future National Championship-winning quarterback Vince Young from the University of Texas.