Ranking the most dominant Heisman campaigns of the last 25 years

22. Chris Weinke 

The Heisman Trophy race between Weinke and Josh Heupel in 2000 was one of the most tightly contested campaigns in recent memory, with the Florida State legend narrowly coming out on top.

Weinke originally was part of the same recruiting class as fellow Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward before spending a few years in the Toronto Blue Jays organization as a minor league baseball player. Bobby Bowden promised Weinke a scholarship whenever he returned from baseball, and he indeed joined the Seminoles ahead of the 1997 season at 25 years old.

Florida State gave Weinke the starting job as a sophomore, and he proceeded to lead the program to its first undefeated national championship in 1999 with a strong season under center. Weinke saved his best statistical year for his senior campaign, piling up 4,167 passing yards and 33 touchdowns to 11 interceptions, again helping the Seminoles finish in the top five.

That capped a record-breaking career that included a 32-3 record as a starter, but the Heisman race between Weinke and Oklahoma’s Josh Heupel was too close to call throughout the entire year. Weinke ultimately had Heupel beat in most passing categories, and took home the Heisman by a razor-thin 76 point margin that remains the sixth-smallest difference in the history of the award.

While Weinke’s numbers were excellent and he deserved the award, his 2000 run to the Heisman was anything but dominant.