Fansided

10 biggest Heisman busts of the last 25 years

By Cody Williams

TALLAHASSEE, FL - NOVEMBER 29, 2008: Tim Tebow, #15 quarterback of the University of Florida Gators football team celebrates after a big play during the game against the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida on November 29, 2008. The Gators won 45-15. (Photo by Jim Burgess/University of Florida/Collegiate Images/Getty Images)
TALLAHASSEE, FL - NOVEMBER 29, 2008: Tim Tebow, #15 quarterback of the University of Florida Gators football team celebrates after a big play during the game against the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida on November 29, 2008. The Gators won 45-15. (Photo by Jim Burgess/University of Florida/Collegiate Images/Getty Images) /
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Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith makes a signal during action between Penn State and Ohio State in Columbus, Ohio on September 23, 2006. Ohio State won 28-6. (Photo by G. N. Lowrance/Getty Images)
Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith makes a signal during action between Penn State and Ohio State in Columbus, Ohio on September 23, 2006. Ohio State won 28-6. (Photo by G. N. Lowrance/Getty Images) /

4. Troy Smith, QB, Ohio State (2006)

There’s no question that Troy Smith showed promise throughout his time with the Ohio State Buckeyes prior to his final season in 2006. However, the signal-caller finally came out and lit the world on fire in that season. He led the Buckeyes to the BCS National Championship Game with a ridiculous effort as a passer throughout the season, even if they fell short of the title at the end of the season.

During that season, Smith truly looked unstoppable at times. In 13 games, he threw for 2,542 yards, 30 touchdowns and only six interceptions while completing 65.3 percent of his throws. Sure, he was helped along tremendously by a fantastic supporting cast, but he was efficient and ultimately great enough to lead his team to almost being the best team in the country.

With that being said, there were obvious red flags when it came to Smith. Not only was he small for an NFL quarterback, but he also came into the league already at 23 years old and with deficiencies as a passer, despite what he was able to accomplish in college. As such, he fell to the fifth round before being selected by the Baltimore Ravens.

His draft status is ultimately why he’s not higher than fourth on this list, because he did next to nothing in the NFL. He played only four seasons where he saw action, and compiled just a 4-4 record as a starter with a completion rate of just 51.7 percent. It wasn’t good, but hey, at least he wasn’t a high-end draft pick.

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