Ranking the most dominant Heisman campaigns of the last 25 years

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 13: Marcus Mariota, quarterback for the University of Oregon Ducks, hoist the trophy after being named the 80th Heisman Memorial Trophy Award winner during the 2014 Heisman Trophy Presentation at the Best Buy Theater on December 13, 2014 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: Photographer approval needed for all Commercial License requests. (Photo by Kelly Kline/Getty Images for The Heisman) /

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USC junior tailback Reggie Bush, the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner, announces his decision to make himself eligible for the NFL draft at press conference at Heritage Hall on the campus of the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, Calif. on Thursday, January 12, 2006. (Photo by Kirby Lee/Getty Images) /

9. Reggie Bush

While it was eventually vacated, Bush’s electrifying 2005 Heisman campaign that resulted in a comfortable victory shouldn’t be forgotten.

A consensus five-star recruit out of La Mesa in the San Diego area, Bush came out of high school with considerable hype and was the top-rated running back in the class of 2003. USC head coach Pete Carroll promised Bush the ability to be a five-way threat, and he indeed showcased his versatility while breaking numerous records during his freshman season.

The Trojans won the 2004 national title in large part thanks to Bush, who racked up over 2,200 yards from scrimmage and finished fifth in the Heisman voting. Bush was even better in his final collegiate season, piling up 200 carries for 1,740 yards, 478 receiving yards, 666 return yards and 19 total touchdowns.

While those numbers would typically be enough to run away with the Heisman Trophy voting, Texas’ Vince Young provided a tough challenge with heroics of his own. Bush still earned the vast majority of first place votes, eventually topping Young by over 900 points, although the Texas quarterback would get revenge a month later in the iconic Rose Bowl.

After a lengthy NCAA investigation determined that Bush received improper benefits, the Trojans were sanctioned heavily, and Bush voluntarily gave up his Heisman in 2010. The NCAA considered the 2005 Heisman vacated with no winner, but fans won’t ever forget Bush’s incredible season.

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