Fansided

Ranking Heisman Trophy winners from 1-81

By Nicholas Ian Allen

Dec 14, 2013; New York, NY, USA; The Heisman Trophy is seen during a press conference before the announcement of the 2013 Heisman Trophy winner at the Marriott Marquis in New York City. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2013; New York, NY, USA; The Heisman Trophy is seen during a press conference before the announcement of the 2013 Heisman Trophy winner at the Marriott Marquis in New York City. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 15, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; A Nebraska Cornhuskers helmet sits on the field during warmups prior to the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 59-24. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; A Nebraska Cornhuskers helmet sits on the field during warmups prior to the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 59-24. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

Johnny Rodgers 1972 Season Statistics

  • Games: 12
  • Rushing Attempts: 73
  • Rushing Yards: 348
  • Rushing Yards Per Game: 29.0
  • Yards Per Carry: 4.8
  • Rushing Touchdowns: 10
  • Receptions: 58
  • Receiving Yards: 1,013
  • Receiving Yards Per Game: 84.4
  • Receiving Touchdowns: 9
  • Passing: 1-for-1, 52 YD, 1 TD

One of the most dynamic and versatile players in college football history, Nebraska’s Johnny Rodgers was the first wide receiver to win the Heisman Trophy in 1972.

Though he also handled punt return and kick return duties and played running back/wingback for the explosive Cornhuskers, who ranked second nationally by scoring an average of 41.8 points per game and finished the season 9-2-1 and ranked No. 4 in the country, Rodgers’ main contribution came in the passing game. He caught 58 passes for 1,013 yards and nine touchdowns as a senior in 1972.

Rodgers added 348 rushing yards and ten touchdowns on the ground, including three of his five total touchdowns in Nebraska’s 40-6 Orange Bowl victory over Notre Dame. Rodgers also threw a 52-yard TD pass against the Fighting Irish in the final game of his career.

A two-time consensus All-American that helped Nebraska win the national championship in both 1970 and 1971, Rodgers also won the 1972 Walter Camp Player of the Year Award. Rodgers finished his career as the NCAA’s all-time leader in all-purpose yardage (5,586) and punts returned for a touchdown (7), and he left Nebraska as the program’s leader in receptions (143), receiving yards (2,479) and touchdown catches (26).

Desmond Howard 1991 Season Statistics

  • Games: 12
  • Rushing Attempts: 13
  • Rushing Yards: 180
  • Rushing Yards Per Game: 15
  • Yards Per Carry: 13.8
  • Rushing Touchdowns: 2
  • Receptions: 62
  • Receiving Yards: 985
  • Receiving Yards Per Game: 82.1
  • Receiving Touchdowns: 19
  • Kick Returns: 27.5 average on 15 returns, 1 TD
  • Punt Returns: 14.1 average on 20 returns, 1 TD

“Hello Heisman”

One of the most iconic moments in college football history, Michigan receiver Desmond Howard fielded an Ohio State punt at his own eight-yard line, then split the coverage team and outran the Buckeyes to the end zone. The legendary Keith Jackson called the play, and as Howard sprinted down the sideline, Jackson remarked “…one man… good-bye! Hello, Heisman!” Howard followed by striking the pose of the famous trophy before being mobbed by his teammates.

Howard’s punt return helped Michigan beat the rival Buckeyes to secure the Big Ten championship and keep hope alive for a national title. It was also the explication point on one of the most lopsided Heisman races in college football history.

During a season in which he accounted for 23 total touchdowns scored four different ways, Howard earned 640 first-place votes, while runner-up Casey Weldon and defending winner Ty Detmer each earned just 19 No. 1 votes. Fourth-place finisher Steve Emtman actually received the second-most first place votes with 29.

Howard led the nation with 19 touchdown receptions and led the Big Ten with 62 catches and 985 receiving yards and finished his career with five NCAA records and 12 school records. He was also a consensus All-American, the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, and won the Maxwell Award and the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award.

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