In a landmark decision set to be officially announced on Wednesday, Reggie Bush will be reinstated as the winner of the 2005 Heisman Trophy, sources close to ESPN reveal. This decision reverses the effects of the sanctions that led Bush to relinquish his award in 2010, following a ruling against his former team, USC, over NCAA violations that included Bush receiving impermissible benefits.
The Heisman Trust will not only restore the honor to Bush but will also return a replica of the trophy to USC. Bush is also expected to participate in all future Heisman ceremonies starting with the 2024 season.
In a heartfelt response, Bush expressed his enthusiasm about rejoining the Heisman circle and contributing to its legacy. "Reuniting with my fellow Heisman winners and rejoining the Heisman family is an honor. I look forward to advancing the values and mission of the Heisman Trust," he stated.
This reinstatement stems from what the Heisman Trust describes as a thorough review process, influenced by dramatic shifts in the governance of college athletics. Notably, the introduction of policies allowing student athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness marks a significant departure from past practices, prompting a reevaluation of past decisions.
Michael Comerford, the president of the Heisman Trophy Trust, commented on the decision, highlighting the broader changes in the sports landscape as pivotal to their decision. "We are delighted to welcome Reggie back, recognizing his extraordinary achievements in college football. The evolving landscape of college athletics played a crucial role in our decision," Comerford stated.
The momentum for Bush's trophy restoration built up over recent years, especially after the 2021 Supreme Court ruling in the Alston case, which challenged the NCAA's restrictions on athlete compensation. This case significantly shifted the narrative around athlete compensation, influencing the Trust's decision.
Reggie Bush: "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."
Bush’s advocacy for the return of his trophy, along with public endorsements from fellow Heisman winners such as Johnny Manziel, Matt Leinart, and Tim Brown, underscored the growing consensus against the former restrictive practices.
In reinstating Bush's Heisman Trophy, the Heisman Trust acknowledges his unparalleled impact on college football in 2005. Bush's remarkable performance during his tenure at USC made him a standout player, culminating in a season where he amassed 2,890 all-purpose yards and secured 784 first-place Heisman votes—the fifth-highest in the history of the award.
With this decision, USC now boasts eight Heisman Trophies, the most of any school, surpassing the seven held by Ohio State, Oklahoma, and Notre Dame. This reinstatement not only rectifies a historical oversight but also celebrates an athlete whose college career continues to resonate nearly two decades later.
