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Tag: heisman trophy

  • Indiana completes undefeated season and wins first national title, beating Miami in CFP final

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    Fernando Mendoza bulldozed his way into the end zone, and Indiana bullied its way into the history books Monday night, toppling Miami 27-21 to put the finishing touch on a rags-to-riches story, an undefeated season, and the national title.Related video above: Assembly Hall on Indiana University’s campus for the school’s watch partyThe Heisman Trophy winner finished with 186 yards passing, but it was his tackle-breaking, sprawled-out 12-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-4 with 9:18 left that defined this game — and the Hoosiers’ season.Indiana would not be denied.Mendoza’s TD gave turnaround artist Curt Cignetti’s team a 10-point lead — barely enough breathing room to hold off a frenzied charge by the hard-hitting Hurricanes, who bloodied Mendoza’s lip early, then came to life late behind 112 yards and two scores from Mark Fletcher but never took the lead.The College Football Playoff trophy now heads to the most unlikely of places: Bloomington, Indiana — a campus that endured a nation-leading 713 losses over 130-plus years of football before Cignetti arrived two years ago to embark on a revival for the ages.Indiana finished 16-0 — using the extra games afforded by the expanded 12-team playoff to match a perfect-season win total last compiled by Yale in 1894.In a bit of symmetry, this undefeated title comes 50 years after Bob Knight’s basketball team went 32-0 to win it all in that state’s favorite sport.Players like Mendoza — a transfer from Cal who grew up just a few miles away from Miami’s campus, “The U” — certainly don’t come around often.Two fourth-down gambles by Cignetti in the fourth quarter, after Fletcher’s second touchdown carved the Hurricanes’ deficit to three, put Mendoza in position to shine.The first was a 19-yard-completion to Charlie Becker on a back-shoulder fade those guys have been perfecting all season. Four plays later came a decision and play that wins championships.Cignetti sent his kicker out on fourth-and-4 from the 12, but quickly called his second timeout. The team huddled on the field, and the coach drew up a quarterback draw.Mendoza, not known as a run-first guy, slipped one tackle, then took a hit and spun around. He kept his feet, then left them, going horizontal and stretching the ball out — a ready-made poster pic for a title run straight from the movies.

    MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. —

    Fernando Mendoza bulldozed his way into the end zone, and Indiana bullied its way into the history books Monday night, toppling Miami 27-21 to put the finishing touch on a rags-to-riches story, an undefeated season, and the national title.

    Related video above: Assembly Hall on Indiana University’s campus for the school’s watch party

    The Heisman Trophy winner finished with 186 yards passing, but it was his tackle-breaking, sprawled-out 12-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-4 with 9:18 left that defined this game — and the Hoosiers’ season.

    Indiana would not be denied.

    Mendoza’s TD gave turnaround artist Curt Cignetti’s team a 10-point lead — barely enough breathing room to hold off a frenzied charge by the hard-hitting Hurricanes, who bloodied Mendoza’s lip early, then came to life late behind 112 yards and two scores from Mark Fletcher but never took the lead.

    The College Football Playoff trophy now heads to the most unlikely of places: Bloomington, Indiana — a campus that endured a nation-leading 713 losses over 130-plus years of football before Cignetti arrived two years ago to embark on a revival for the ages.

    Indiana finished 16-0 — using the extra games afforded by the expanded 12-team playoff to match a perfect-season win total last compiled by Yale in 1894.

    In a bit of symmetry, this undefeated title comes 50 years after Bob Knight’s basketball team went 32-0 to win it all in that state’s favorite sport.

    Players like Mendoza — a transfer from Cal who grew up just a few miles away from Miami’s campus, “The U” — certainly don’t come around often.

    Two fourth-down gambles by Cignetti in the fourth quarter, after Fletcher’s second touchdown carved the Hurricanes’ deficit to three, put Mendoza in position to shine.

    The first was a 19-yard-completion to Charlie Becker on a back-shoulder fade those guys have been perfecting all season. Four plays later came a decision and play that wins championships.

    Cignetti sent his kicker out on fourth-and-4 from the 12, but quickly called his second timeout. The team huddled on the field, and the coach drew up a quarterback draw.

    Mendoza, not known as a run-first guy, slipped one tackle, then took a hit and spun around. He kept his feet, then left them, going horizontal and stretching the ball out — a ready-made poster pic for a title run straight from the movies.

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  • Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman sends clear message about Jeremiyah Love

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    The Notre Dame Fighting Irish picked up a statement win, defeating Navy in a blowout 49-10. That kept the Irish within the College Football Playoff discussion, after a reveal earlier this week included them in the early bracket.

    The win included an impressive game from several individuals, including quarterback CJ Carr with 218 passing yards and three touchdowns. Receiver Malachi Fields caught four passes for 94 yards, while Carr threw touchdowns to KK Smith and Jordan Faison.

    In addition, Notre Dame’s ground game was significant, with Jeremiyah Love achieving 94 yards and two touchdowns in the victory. Following the game, he received a strong statement from his head coach, Marcus Freeman.

    A reporter asked about Love’s contributions and being in the Heisman Trophy conversation, prompting Freeman to offer a strong endorsement of his receiver.

    Read more: Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza Tops Heisman Odds After Stunning Comeback Win

    “In my mind, yes, he is. There’s no question about it,” Freeman said when asked if Love is a Heisman candidate.

    “You know, you talk about one of the best players in the country, if he’s not one of them, then you know, it’s hard to believe how many other players are that special,” he told the media.

    “He’s a special player, and he had a great week of prep. He continues to do things that you haven’t seen, but things you know, you’re just not surprised with Jeremiyah Love,” Freeman said.

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    Love is currently in his third season with the Irish and has compiled 894 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground. He’s also got 227 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Many mock drafts consider him a first-round pick, potentially going in the top 15 of the 2026 NFL Draft.

    He’s currently listed amongst the Heisman Trophy candidates, but is also considered a long shot to win. The current favorite is Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, followed by Ohio State’s Julian Sayin and Alabama’s Ty Simpson.

    The latest win by the Fighting Irish improved their overall record to 7-2 and their home record to 5-1. They remain ranked at No. 10 in the nation.

    Based on a theoretical CFP bracket released earlier this week at NCAA.com, Notre Dame’s first round would begin with a game against the BYU Cougars. However, BYU lost to Texas Tech on Saturday.

    Read more: Kentucky’s Zach Calzada Issues Apology to Fans After Controversial Video

    For more college football news, visit Newsweek Sports.

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  • CSU Rams football coach short list: Who could replace Jay Norvell?

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    Since Canvas Stadium opened, the CSU Rams football program has tried the SEC route. It’s tried The Urban Meyer Family Tree. It’s tried a safe, steady hand with Mountain West bona fides. None of those paths have led to a consistent conference championship contender whose results have matched the ambitions of CSU’s $220 million football home.

    So with Jay Norvell out, where does Rams AD John Weber turn now? Here are nine candidates CSU should have on his short list:

    Tony Alford, Michigan running backs coach/run game coordinator: If it’s about family, nobody bleeds green the way Alford, who played running back at CSU from 1987-90, still does. At 56, he’s been looking for a chance to put a stamp on a program of his own.

    Matt Lubick, Kansas co-offensive coordinator/tight ends coach: Speaking of keeping it in the family, the son of CSU icon Sonny Lubick remains a fan favorite at age 53. Time to come home?

    Jay Hill, BYU defensive coordinator/associate head coach: Not young (50), but we already know what his Cougars can do (and have done) to CU. Bonus: Has head coaching experience, posting a 68-39 record as the top man at Weber State from 2014-22.

    Jason Candle, Toledo: Matt Campbell’s successor was supposed to find his Iowa State a while ago, having produced four seasons of at least nine wins with the Rockets since 2017. He’s still there. Although, as he’s got a contract through 2028, so he probably won’t come super-cheap.

    Collin Klein, Texas A&M offensive coordinator: At 36, the former Loveland High star and Heisman Trophy finalist is a rising star and a good guy, to boot. If Rams fans want to “lock the gates” for local recruits, this could be the guy.

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    Sean Keeler

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  • CU Buffs-Arizona quick hits: Take a breather, Travis Hunter. Shedeur Sanders, LaJohntay Wester, CU pass rush got this

    CU Buffs-Arizona quick hits: Take a breather, Travis Hunter. Shedeur Sanders, LaJohntay Wester, CU pass rush got this

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    Initial observations from the CU Buffs’ 34-7 win over the Arizona Wildcats in Big 12 play at Arizona Stadium.

    Paging Sean Payton: An onside kick attempt to start the game? Did Arizona head coach Brent Brennan consult the Broncos’ Sean Payton earlier this week? Bold move, to say the least — if not a very bright one. It was almost as if Brennan knew exactly what was coming down the pike. There was no way the Wildcats’ leaky secondary was coming up with enough stops to win this game … unless special teams could steal an extra possession or two. A weird message to send your team before a ball is even snapped. But at least Brennan is a realist.

    Weapons to spare: Who needs a run game when you have Shedeur Sanders and an endless stream of pass-catchers? Certainly not CU against a defense like Arizona’s. Can’t rush the passer? Have problems covering receivers one-on-one or tackling in space? Shedeur and the Buffs will eat you alive, whether it’s third-and-long, third-and-short, or, in the case of the QB’s 14-yard strike to Travis Hunter in the first half, fourth-and-10. So even if the Buffs average 2.3 yards on 22 attempts, as they did in the first half, it’s plenty. They still converted 8 of 11 third downs and put 28 points on the board. By the time everything was said and done, LaJohntay Wester had eight catches for 127 yards. And he’s, what, CU’s third- or fourth-best receiver? Yikes!

    Livingston’s stock on rise: Stats may not be kind to the Buffs defense — CU entered Saturday 94th in FBS in yards allowed and 73rd in points allowed — but the eye test says Robert Livingston’s unit is trending up. And it’s happening at the line of scrimmage — an area that was a notable issue last season. In two of the last three games, CU has bottled up one of the nation’s top rushing attacks (UCF, 177 yards) and harassed one of its most productive passers (Arizona’s Noah Fifita) to the tune of seven sacks, CU’s most since posting eight against Iowa State in 2010. The Buffs now have 16 sacks in their last three games.

    Heisman watch: This was not a day to worry about Travis Hunter’s Heisman Trophy campaign. With CU’s two-way star clearly not 100% after getting dinged in the Kansas State loss last week, Coach Prime did the smart thing, holding Hunter out over the final two quarters as “preventative measures.” CU already had a 28-7 lead, and Hunter’s mortal stat line (54 snaps, two receptions for 15 yards, one tackle) will soon be a mere footnote as long as he delivers a few more superhuman performances down the stretch. (Spoiler alert: He probably will.)

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    Matt Schubert

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  • Reggie Bush Reacts After Being Reinstated As 2005 Heisman Trophy Winner

    Reggie Bush Reacts After Being Reinstated As 2005 Heisman Trophy Winner

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    Reggie Bush is speaking out after the Heisman Trust reinstated him as the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner.

    For context, the honor was vacated in 2010 after the NCAA sectioned the University of Southern California. An investigation found that Bush, a former USC Trojans player, and his family had received money and gifts from auditioning agents. At the time, that was against the NCAA rules, but not anymore.

    Here’s What Reggie Bush Said

    The Associated Press reports that the Heisma Trust gave Reggie Bush his trophy back. Additionally, HT will send a replica of the prize to USC.

    In his first social media reaction to the update, Reggie wrote, “No one can take from you what God has for you.”

    He shared a photo of his hand on the trophy.

    He also reportedly told ESPN the following:

    “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. I also look forward to working together with the Heisman Trust to advance the values and mission of the organization.”

    RELATED: T.I. Awarded City Of Atlanta ‘Highest Honor’ For His Community Work

     Heisman Trust & USC Speak Out

    Meanwhile, the Heisman Trust President Michael Comerford also released a statement, welcoming Reggie back.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Reggie Bush back to the Heisman family in recognition of his collegiate accomplishments. We considered the enormous changes in college athletics over the last several years in deciding that now is the right time to reinstate the Trophy for Reggie. We are so happy to welcome him back.”

    Bush won the Heisman Trophy in 20 after amassing more than 2,000 yards from scrimmage and scoring 18 touchdowns in 2005. His 784 first-place votes were the fifth most in Heisman history. The award is typically reserved for the top player in college football.

    Moving forward, the Heisman Trust will ensure that Reggie Bush is invited to all future Heisman Trophy ceremonies, per the AP. Their decision to reinstate Reggie Bush was influenced by a few factors, including the Supreme Court’s 2021 ruling about the NCAA’s amateurism criteria and athlete compensation in NIL deals and overall. The NCAA’s recent proposal to remove the cap on education-related payments was also a factor.

    The University of Southern California also reacted on social media, expressing similar thoughts to Reggie. They wrote, “back where it belongs.” Reggie’s reinstatement brings the university’s Heisman Trophy winners total to eight–the most of any school!

    Associated Press staff contributed to this report.

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    Cassandra S

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  • Opinion: Four Thoughts on O.J. Simpson’s Death Last Week

    Opinion: Four Thoughts on O.J. Simpson’s Death Last Week

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    If indeed there is an afterlife, and ol’ Saint Peter is indeed waiting for us at the pearly gates with his book out of who gets through and who doesn’t, I’ve often said the one person I’d love to see try to talk their way into heaven would be O.J. Simpson. That conversation, I’ve often thought, would be something else.

    Well, that conversation is now in the books and has presumably taken place (with Saint Peter presumably cackling his ass off), since late last week, Simpson, an inarguable face on the Mount Rushmore of despicable human beings, passed away at the age of 76 from prostate cancer:

    While everyone who was around in 1994 will never forget Simpson’s Bronco chase on June 17 of that that year, and the subsequent year long trial and eventual acquittal, your age probably dictates just how acutely you felt Simpson’s fall from grace. If you weren’t around to see him play football or experience the crossover icon that he was in the ’80s, then maybe he’s just one more famous, disgraced person.

    If you were around to experience “Simpson the Cultural Tour De Force,” then the saga of 1994 and 1995 (and if we’re being honest, the remainder of Simpson’s life) is undoubtedly one of the bizarre falls from grace ever. I have no idea if any of the families left in the wake of Simpson’s (allegedly) murderous ways are getting any closure out of Simpson’s kicking the bucket. I hope they are. I do have a few thoughts on how Simpson’s passing was processed by some late last week:

    Who the hell makes decisions at the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
    Every Hall of Fame has a different criteria for entry. While being great at your on field job is a common thread across all of the Halls, player behavior off the field and general personal integrity are handled differently, depending on the sport. The baseball Hall is very clear that integrity and behavior matter. Conversely, the Pro Football Hall of Fame is clear that induction is about ON FIELD stuff only. As a result, a player like Simpson would never be removed from the football Hall. That’s fine, I suppose. Their rules, their choice.

    That said, there’s no rule that the Pro Football Hall of Fame HAS to openly mourn the loss of a person like Simpson, and yet, there they were on Thursday, putting out a lengthy press release listing everything about Simpson, EXCEPT what he’s best known for. In fact, if you read the press release, you’d think Simpson died in 1994, not 2024. The Hall even decided to fly their flag at half mast the day Simpson died, because, well, that’s what the Hall does when a Hall of Famer dies! WHAT IN THE WORLD??? (Credit the Buffalo Bills, Simpson’s employer for most of his playing career for not acknowledging Simpson at all.)

    Oh, and the Heisman Trophy Trust… same goes for you! What the hell!

    Seriously, am I taking crazy pills? What the hell are these people doing? Of course, this Heisman Trust is the same governing body that took Reggie Bush’s Heisman Trophy away from him because he accepted money from boosters while he played at USC. Simpson was literally found liable for killing two people in a civil court and they’re mourning his death. Nice organization you got there.

    Was the Bronco chase the “Remember where you were” moment of the ’90s?
    Not only is the Bronco chase my choice for the “remember where you were” moment of the ’90s, but it’s on the short list for not just the ’90s but all time, at least during my lifetime. (NOTE: I am 55 years old.) As far as other candidates of that decade, the others that come to mind immediately are the Desert Storm declaration of war in 1991, Princess Diana’s passing in 1997, and Bill Clinton’s vehement denial that he sexed Monica Lewinsky in 1998. The ’90s were poppin’!

    BONUS: Simpson’s death did bring this comedy bit from Dave Chappelle back into our lives! Enjoy!

    Listen to Sean Pendergast on SportsRadio 610 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. weekdays. Also, follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/SeanTPendergast, on Instagram at instagram.com/sean.pendergast, and like him on Facebook at facebook.com/SeanTPendergast.

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    Sean Pendergast

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  • LSU QB Jayden Daniels wins Heisman Trophy despite team’s struggles

    LSU QB Jayden Daniels wins Heisman Trophy despite team’s struggles

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    LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels overcame being outside the playoff race with a prolific season that Heisman Trophy voters could not ignore.

    Daniels won the Heisman Trophy on Saturday night, becoming the first player since 2016 to win college football’s most prestigious player of the year award as part of a team that did not play for a conference championship.

    The fifth-year player, who transferred from Arizona State to LSU in 2022, received 503 first-place votes and 2,029 points.

    “This is a dream come true,” Daniels started his acceptance speech.

    Jayden Daniels
    LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels poses for a photo with the Heisman Trophy during the Heisman Trophy press conference at the New York Marriott Marquis on Dec. 8, 2023 in New York City.

    Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images


    Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. was the the runner-up with 292 first-place votes and 1,701 points and Oregon’s Bo Nix was third (51, 885), putting transfer quarterbacks in each of the top three spots. Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. finished fourth (20, 352).

    Daniels, who turns 23 on Dec. 18, won AP Player of the Year earlier this week.

    Daniels is the fifth quarterback in the last seven seasons to win the Heisman after transferring, joining former LSU star Joe Burrow in 2019 and USC’s Caleb Williams last year.

    “I want to thank all my teammates, from Arizona State to LSU,” Daniels said. “You’re my brothers. You work so hard every day, inspiring me to be my best.”

    He is also LSU’s third Heisman winner overall, along with running back Billy Cannon in 1959.

    Burrow led LSU to a national championship and Cannon’s team came close, finishing No. 3 in the country.

    Daniels’ Tigers (9-3) slipped out of that race with two losses in the first six weeks, but he certainly wasn’t to blame.

    “I really wish I could have brought you back another championship,” Daniels said as he thanked the LSU fans.

    Week after week he fueled the best offense in the country with his passing and running. Daniels finished the regular season with 3,812 yards passing and 1,134 yards rushing and 50 total touchdowns in 12 games. He leads the nation in total offense at 412 yards per game and is averaging an astounding 10.71 yards per play.

    No. 13 LSU is set to face Wisconsin in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Jan. 1, though Daniels has not yet decided if he will play.

    Louisville’s Lamar Jackson was the last player to win the Heisman on a team that lost three games and didn’t play for a championship — and Daniels’ production surpassed his.

    LSU was eliminated from the Southeastern Conference race when it lost to Alabama in early November, despite 382 yards and three total touchdowns from Daniels.

    While Daniels slipped from the playoff picture, his performance continued to demand attention. Against Florida, he became the first major college football player with at least 350 yards passing and 200 rushing in a game, going for a total of 606 yards against the Gators.

    His teammates goaded him into flashing a Heisman pose during the game in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Daniels said it was after that performance he started to believe winning the Heisman could be a reality.

    Daniels’ evolution this season have been a revelation.

    He began his career at Arizona State as a four-star recruit from Southern California under then-coach Herman Edwards. Daniels started all three seasons for the Sun Devils, proving capable but inconsistent. With the Sun Devils facing an NCAA investigation, Daniels left for LSU to play for coach Brian Kelly.

    Daniels led the Tigers to an SEC West title last year and when he decided to return for a fifth season of college football it was clear he could be part of the Heisman discussion.

    He ended up dominating that conversation even though his team was out of the spotlight down the stretch of the season as LSU ran an aggressive campaign for its quarterback.

    Daniels and the Tigers finished their season against Texas A&M on rivalry weekend, with Nix, Penix and Harrison playing high-stakes games with playoff implications.

    Daniels was the leader in the clubhouse on championship weekend as Nix and Penix squared off in the Pac-12 title game.

    Both played well in a dramatic game that decided on playoff spot, but —- much like opposing defenses — neither could chase down Daniels.

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  • LSU Quarterback Wins Heisman Trophy With Prolific Season

    LSU Quarterback Wins Heisman Trophy With Prolific Season

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    NEW YORK (AP) — LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels won the Heisman Trophy on Saturday night, becoming the first player since 2016 to win college football’s most prestigious player of the year award as part of a team that did not play for a conference championship.

    The fifth-year player, who transferred from Arizona State to LSU in 2022, received 503 first-place votes and 2,029 points. Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. was the the runner-up with 292 first-place votes and 1,701 points and Oregon’s Bo Nix was third (51, 885), putting transfer quarterbacks in each of the top three spots. Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. finished fourth.

    Daniels, who turns 23 on Dec. 18, won AP Player of the Year earlier this week.

    Daniels is the fifth quarterback in the last seven seasons to win the Heisman after transferring, joining former LSU star Joe Burrow in 2019 and USC’s Caleb Williams last year. He is also LSU’s third Heisman winner overall, along with running back Billy Cannon in 1959.

    Burrow led LSU to a national championship and Cannon’s team came close, finishing No. 3 in the country.

    Daniels’ Tigers (9-3) slipped out of that race with two losses in the first six weeks, but he certainly wasn’t to blame.

    Week after week he fueled the best offense in the country with his passing and running. Daniels finished the regular season with 3,812 yards passing and 1,134 yards rushing and 50 total touchdowns in 12 games. He leads the nation in total offense at 412 yards per game and is averaging an astounding 10.71 yards per play.

    No. 13 LSU is set to face Wisconsin in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Jan. 1, though Daniels has not yet decided if he will play.

    Louisville’s Lamar Jackson was the last player to win the Heisman on a team that lost three games and didn’t play for a championship — and Daniels’ production surpassed his.

    LSU was eliminated from the Southeastern Conference race when it lost to Alabama in early November, despite 382 yards and three total touchdowns from Daniels.

    While Daniels slipped from the playoff picture, his performance continued to demand attention. Against Florida, he became the first major college football player with at least 350 yards passing and 200 rushing in a game, going for a total of 606 yards against the Gators.

    His teammates goaded him into flashing a Heisman pose during the game in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Daniels said it was after that performance he started to believe winning the Heisman could be a reality.

    Heisman Trophy finalists, from left, LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels, Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., Oregon quarterback Bo Nix and Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. pose with the trophy after attending a news conference before the award ceremony, Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)

    Daniels’ evolution this season have been a revelation.

    He began his career at Arizona State as a four-star recruit from Southern California under then-coach Herman Edwards. Daniels started all three seasons for the Sun Devils, proving capable but inconsistent. After a coaching change, he left for LSU to play for coach Brian Kelly.

    Daniels led the Tigers to an SEC West title last year and when he decided to return for a fifth season of college football it was clear he could be part of the Heisman discussion.

    He ended up dominating that conversation even though his team was out of the spotlight down the stretch of the season as LSU ran an aggressive campaign for its quarterback.

    Daniels and the Tigers finished their season against Texas A&M on rivalry weekend, with Nix, Penix and Harrison playing high-stakes games with playoff implications.

    Daniels was the leader in the clubhouse on championship weekend as Nix and Penix squared off in the Pac-12 title game.

    Both played well in a dramatic game that decided on playoff spot, but —- much like opposing defenses — neither could chase down Daniels.

    Follow Ralph D. Russo at https://twitter.com/ralphDrussoAP and listen at http://www.appodcasts.com.

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  • USC quarterback Caleb Williams wins the 2022 Heisman Trophy | CNN

    USC quarterback Caleb Williams wins the 2022 Heisman Trophy | CNN

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    CNN
     — 

    University of Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams was named the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner Saturday night.

    The 20-year-old sophomore led the Trojans to an 11-2 record in his first season in Los Angeles after transferring from the University of Oklahoma. He threw for 4,075 yards, 37 touchdowns and only four interceptions.

    Williams beat out Texas Christian University Horned Frogs quarterback Max Duggan, Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud and Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Stetson Bennett to win the treasured college football award.

    In his acceptance speech, Williams hailed the three other finalists and credited his parents, teammates and coaches for him being able to win the award.

    “If you are willing to put in the work and surround yourself with positive people, you can achieve anything,” Williams said. “I used to write down my goals in a journal and what used to just be words on a piece of paper, has me standing here today. So everyone, dreams really do come true. Thank you. Fight on!”

    Williams is the seventh Trojan to win the award and the first since quarterback Matt Leinart in 2004.

    Former Trojan running back Reggie Bush won the award in 2005 but was stripped of it after an NCAA investigation found Bush received impermissible benefits, including several thousand dollars and a vehicle while in school.

    Last year, after the NCAA approved a new policy for student athletes to make money on their names, images and likeness, they said Bush will not get the trophy back.

    Williams’ Heisman award caps off a season in which USC ended up just short of the College Football Playoff.

    Williams suffered a hamstring injury in the Trojans’ loss to the University of Utah in the Pac-12 championship game last week. It’s unclear whether he’ll play in the team’s January 2 game against Tulane in the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

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