As the Name, Image and Likeness race begins on July 1, many in the college football universe are wanting one of the greatest running backs to ever play the game to be able to get his Heisman Trophy back. Reggie Bush earned the top individual award in football in 2005 as USC ran the table en route to a national championship game loss to Texas.
While the Heisman Trust issued a statement that they support the NIL rules and it’s a positive step in the right direction. However, despite this, they are leaving the reinstating of Bush’s Heisman up to the NCAA.
The NCAA found that Bush had received impermissible benefits while a student athlete at USC and because of that the organization vacated his playing records as well as the entire USC football team’s record. Bush was forced to forfeit his Heisman trophy because of that.
The Heisman Trust pointed to a rule that states: “In order that there will be no misunderstanding regarding the eligibility of a candidate, the recipient of the award must be a bona fide student of an accredited college or university including the United States Academies. The recipient must be in compliance with the bylaws defining an NCAA student athlete.”
Therefore, because the NCAA hasn’t given Bush his season records back, he is not eligible for the trophy. The Heisman Trust said that should the NCAA reinstate Bush’s 2005 status, then they will welcome him back to the Heisman family.
Should Reggie Bush get his Heisman Trophy back?
Bush rushed for 1,740 yards averaging 8.7 per carry with 16 touchdowns and an additional 478 yards receiving and 2 more touchdowns plus over 600 yards in returns and a touchdown in 2005. He beat out Vince Young and fellow teammate Matt Leinart for the trophy and is the only player in history to forfeit the award. He was then drafted #2 overall in the 2006 NFL Draft by the Saints and played 11 years in the NFL for five teams.
