Reggie Bush will be receiving his 2005 Heisman Trophy back after it was forfeited in 2010 due to an NCAA investigation finding that he received improper benefits during his time at USC. The Heisman Trust has decided to reinstate the trophy to Bush, citing “enormous changes in the college football landscape” as the reason for this decision. Bush expressed his excitement to be reunited with his fellow Heisman winners and to be part of the Heisman family once again. He also looks forward to working with the Heisman Trust to advance the organization’s values and mission.
Calls for the return of Bush’s Heisman Trophy have increased in recent years, especially after college athletes were allowed to profit off their name, image, and likeness in 2021. Bush himself requested the return of the trophy in 2021, stating his belief that he won the award through hard work and dedication on the football field and that his records should be reinstated. Other former Heisman winners, such as Matt Leinart and Johnny Manziel, have shown their support for Bush and refused to attend another Heisman ceremony until the award was returned to him.
The Heisman Trust went through a deliberative process to decide on returning the trophy to Bush, taking into consideration the changes in college athletics in recent years. Michael Comerford, the president of the Heisman Trophy Trust, expressed his excitement in welcoming Bush back to the Heisman family and acknowledged his outstanding collegiate accomplishments. With the return of the trophy, USC will also receive the replica of Bush’s Heisman Trophy that was given up in 2010 following major sanctions from the NCAA.
With Bush’s Heisman Trophy reinstated, USC now holds the record for the most Heisman wins for a single program with eight trophies. Bush had an exceptional season in 2005, rushing for 1,740 yards with 16 touchdowns, along with 37 receptions for 478 yards and two touchdowns. He played a crucial role in USC’s undefeated regular season and national title win in 2004. The decision to return the Heisman Trophy to Bush marks a significant moment in the history of college football and the prestigious award.
