Travis Hunter, a wide receiver and cornerback for the Colorado Buffaloes, is the most recent Heisman winner, making history as the first player from Colorado to win the prestigious award since Rashaan Salaam in 1994. His Heisman victory places him alongside some of college football’s most legendary players. Hunter’s standout moments this season, along with others, were key to his recognition.
In 2024, Hunter delivered remarkable performances for the Buffaloes, breaking a school record with 14 receiving touchdowns. He also became the first player in Big 12 history to rank in the top-10 in both receiving touchdowns and interceptions. With 1,356 total snaps—434 more than any other player—he became the first defensive player to win the Heisman since Charles Woodson in 1997.
In 2023, LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels showcased his all-around skill, passing for 3,812 yards, 40 touchdowns, and just 4 interceptions, adding 1,135 rushing yards and 10 more touchdowns. Despite LSU’s three-loss season, Daniels became the second quarterback to win the Heisman with such a record. His signature moment came in a thrilling win over Florida, where he passed for 372 yards, ran for 234 yards, and scored five total touchdowns.
In 2022, Caleb Williams of USC shined in his first season with the Trojans, amassing 4,075 passing yards and 37 touchdowns, along with 372 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. He led USC to a top-10 finish and a Cotton Bowl berth. His Heisman campaign was solidified by a standout performance against Notre Dame, where he threw for 232 yards, added one touchdown pass, and rushed for three more, even striking the Heisman pose after a touchdown.
Bryce Young of Alabama won the 2021 Heisman, becoming the second consecutive Alabama player to do so after DeVonta Smith in 2020. In his first season as a starter, Young threw for 4,322 yards and 43 touchdowns. His Heisman moment came during the SEC Championship, where he torched Georgia’s top defense for 421 yards passing and four total touchdowns, leading Alabama to a 41-24 victory.
In 2020, DeVonta Smith made history by becoming the first wide receiver to win the Heisman since Desmond Howard in 1991. Smith finished the season with 98 receptions for 1,511 yards and 23 total touchdowns. His Heisman moment came during a dominant performance against LSU, where he recorded 231 yards and three touchdowns in a 55-17 win. His Heisman acceptance speech was also a memorable highlight.
In 2019, Joe Burrow’s Heisman-winning season at LSU was defined by his leadership and remarkable performances, including his emotional Heisman speech.
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