Has a freshman ever won the Heisman Trophy? Exploring CFB’s history defining athletes
The 2024 Heisman Trophy ceremony will take place soon, creating a buzz of excitement among college football fans. This prestigious event, held annually, celebrates the top college football players who have demonstrated extraordinary skill and consistency throughout the season.
This year, the finalists include Oregon's Dillon Gabriel, Colorado's Travis Hunter, Boise State's Ashton Jeanty, and Miami's Cam Ward, each of whom has been the standout for fans with their remarkable on-field performances.
Has a freshman ever won?
Winning the Heisman Trophy as a freshman is no less than an extraordinary achievement, and to date, only two players have won the award. Both Johnny Manziel of Texas A&M in 2012 and Jameis Winston of Florida State in 2013 achieved this milestone during their redshirt first-year seasons. As of December 2024, no true freshman has ever won the Heisman Trophy.
Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M University
Manziel became the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy. During his redshirt freshman year in 2012, Manziel set an SEC record with 4,600 yards of total offense, leading Texas A&M to a 10-2 regular season in its debut year in the SEC.
Manziel’s season included 3,419 passing yards and 24 touchdowns, complemented by 1,181 rushing yards and 19 scores on the ground. His most defining moment came in a 29-24 upset victory over No. 1 Alabama in Tuscaloosa, where he delivered 345 yards of total offense.
Manziel returned for another impressive season in 2013, finishing as a Heisman finalist and recording a two-year total of 9,989 yards and 93 touchdowns. After the season, he declared for the NFL Draft and was selected 22nd overall by the Cleveland Browns.
Jameis Winston, Florida State University
Winston became the second freshman to win the Heisman Trophy in 2013. At just 19 years and 342 days old, Winston edged out Mark Ingram as the youngest recipient of the award.
Winston’s stats that season were impressive, with 3,820 passing yards and 38 touchdowns; he became the first redshirt freshman to win both the Heisman Trophy and a national title in the same season.
He declared for the NFL Draft after his sophomore season and was selected first overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
What is the Heisman Trophy, and to whom is it given?
The Heisman Trophy is awarded annually to the most outstanding player in college football season. Established in 1935, the award honors players who excel on the field with standout performances and off-the-field sportsmanship and perform as key to their respective teams.
Named after John W. Heisman, a pioneer in the sport, the award is administered by the Heisman Trophy Trust. Designed by sculptor Frank Eliscu, the trophy depicts a football player in a stiff-arm pose.
Finalists are chosen through a voting process involving sports journalists, former winners, and fans. The ceremony is held annually in New York City, a tradition that has continued since 2005.