3. Lamar Jackson, Louisville (2016)
Of the 19 players in this ranking, none were as electrifying as Lamar Jackson in his sophomore season at the helm of the Louisville Cardinals. He entered the campaign as an intriguing talent and then emerged as an exhilarating and uncontainable whirlwind en route to capturing college football’s biggest individual prize.
While his passing efficiency (56.2 percent) left something to be desired, Jackson still did it all. The quarterback threw for 3,543 yards and 30 touchdowns and only nine interceptions. But it was his rushing that truly made his case as Action Jackson ran for 1,571 yards and 21 touchdowns on the year. Had he enjoyed more success with Louisville in terms of wins and losses, you might make the case for him being higher. But even still, his individual achievements earn him a top-three nod.
2. Cam Newton, Auburn (2010)
When you get to this point, you’re very much splitting hairs. If someone were to put Cam Newton’s 2010 season as the greatest ever by a Heisman winner, it would be hard to argue with them. His lone season with the Auburn Tigers that resulted in a National Championship was truly one for the ages.
Newton was incredibly proficient as a passer, throwing for 2,854 yards and 30 touchdowns on only 280 attempts and while only throwing seven interceptions. Furthermore, Newton rushed for an unreal 1,473 yards and 20 touchdowns while even catching a touchdown as well. He was the driving force of the best team in the country and etched his name among the legends of college football in the process.
1. Tim Tebow, Florida (2007)
Though he finished in the top five in voting in his final three seasons, arguably the greatest college football player of the 21st century, Tim Tebow, only won the Heisman once. And it was without a doubt his best season when he did it, simply dominating the competition set before him with both his arm and his legs.
As a sophomore for the Gators, Tebow threw from 3,286 yards and 32 touchdowns with only six interceptions while also rushing for 895 yards and 23 touchdowns as well. Those stats may be comparable or even bettered by some winners ranked below him, but the Florida quarterback doing that against SEC competition and with the gritty, unforgettable manner he accomplished it with earns him the No. 1 spot.
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