# The 24 Greatest Heisman Trophy Winners of All Time

> The trophy has crowned runners, passers and even a defender. Stats, rings and sheer swagger all pull in different directions.

*By YPB Team · Published October 17, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/the-24-greatest-heisman-trophy-winners-of-all-time*

---

## Current results (no votes yet)

1. **Barry Sanders** — score 1000/1000
   Oklahoma State's 1988 winner who rushed for 2,628 yards in a single season.
2. **Derrick Henry** — score 573/1000
   Alabama's 2015 winner who set the SEC single-season rushing record.
3. **Bryce Young** — score 545/1000
   Alabama's 2021 winner, a poised passer.
4. **Robert Griffin III** — score 529/1000
   Baylor's 2011 winner, a speedy passer who lifted a program.
5. **Bo Jackson** — score 529/1000
   Auburn's 1985 winner who combined sprinter's speed with bruising power.
6. **Cam Newton** — score 529/1000
   Auburn's 2010 winner who led an undefeated national championship season.
7. **Kyler Murray** — score 480/1000
   Oklahoma's 2018 winner, a dual-sport star who became the No. 1 NFL pick.
8. **Jameis Winston** — score 423/1000
   Florida State's 2013 winner and national champion.
9. **Marcus Mariota** — score 423/1000
   Oregon's 2014 winner, an efficient dual-threat passer.
10. **Johnny Manziel** — score 423/1000
   Texas A&M's 2012 winner and the first freshman to take the trophy.
11. **Carson Palmer** — score 358/1000
   USC's 2002 winner and the Trojans' resurgence leader.
12. **Baker Mayfield** — score 358/1000
   Oklahoma's 2017 winner and a former walk-on.
13. **Vinny Testaverde** — score 358/1000
   Miami's 1986 winner and the Hurricanes' biggest star of the decade.
14. **Lamar Jackson** — score 358/1000
   Louisville's 2016 winner, a dazzling dual-threat quarterback.
15. **Desmond Howard** — score 358/1000
   Michigan's 1991 winner remembered for the famous Heisman pose.
16. **Charles Woodson** — score 358/1000
   Michigan's 1997 winner and the first primarily defensive player to win.
17. **Herschel Walker** — score 282/1000
   Georgia's 1982 winner whose power running carried the Bulldogs to a national title.
18. **Jayden Daniels** — score 282/1000
   LSU's 2023 winner after a historic efficiency season.
19. **Eddie George** — score 282/1000
   Ohio State's 1995 winner and a workhorse back.
20. **Ricky Williams** — score 192/1000
   Texas's 1998 winner who broke the NCAA career rushing record.
21. **Caleb Williams** — score 192/1000
   USC's 2022 winner and an improvisational passer.
22. **Tim Tebow** — score 192/1000
   Florida's 2007 winner and the first sophomore to win the award.
23. **Earl Campbell** — score 0/1000
   Texas's 1977 winner, a famously punishing runner.
24. **Ron Dayne** — score 0/1000
   Wisconsin's 1999 winner and the NCAA career rushing leader at the time.

Tags: american-football, players, awards, college football, heisman