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10 best Heisman Trophy winners in history

By Nathaniel Reeves

Dec 12, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Alabama running back Derrick Henry name appears on the Heisman Trophy during a press conference at the New York Marriott Marquis after winning the trophy during the 81st annual Heisman Trophy presentation. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 12, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Alabama running back Derrick Henry name appears on the Heisman Trophy during a press conference at the New York Marriott Marquis after winning the trophy during the 81st annual Heisman Trophy presentation. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – CIRCA 1978-1981: Marcus Allen,
LOS ANGELES, CA – CIRCA 1978-1981: Marcus Allen, /

2. Marcus Allen, 1981

Allen’s 1981 Heisman campaign still ranks as one of the greatest statistical seasons in NCAA history, making him a college football legend.

A native of San Diego, Allen stayed close to home by committing to USC as a defensive back in 1978. Head coach John Robinson would move Allen to tailback right away, and he was sparingly used as a freshman on the 1978 national champion USC squad.

Robinson decided to give Allen a chance at fullback the next year, and he put up a respectable 649 yards while paving the way for Heisman winner Charles White. In 1980, Allen finally got a chance to be the starting running back, and he responded with a pair of terrific seasons.

Allen rushed for over 1,500 yards as a junior to rank third in the nation. What followed was the best season ever by a college running back to date, as Allen piled up 433 carries for 2,427 yards and 22 touchdowns.

That was just the second 2,000-yard season in college football history, and Allen’s single-season rushing mark would last until 1988 and still ranks fourth all-time. Allen comfortably beat fellow legend Herschel Walker of Georgia in the Heisman voting to become the fourth USC running back to win the award.

The Oakland Raiders selected Allen 10th overall in 1982, and he put together a Hall of Fame career as a pro. Allen is the only player ever to win a Heisman Trophy, NFL MVP, Super Bowl MVP and a championship at both the college and professional level.

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