USC Star Running Back Reggie Bush Receives Heisman Trophy Back

Former USC running back Reggie Bush will have his 2005 Heisman Trophy returned to him after the Heisman Trophy Trust considered “enormous changes in college athletics over the last several years,” the group announced Wednesday.

Bush returned the Heisman Trophy to the Heisman Trophy Trust in 2010 after an NCAA investigation determined he received money and other benefits while playing for the Trojans. However, with the NCAA allowing athletes to start earning money from name, image, and likeness deals as of July 1, 2021, the door was opened for Bush to have his accomplishments reinstated.

“We are thrilled to welcome Reggie Bush back to the Heisman family in recognition of his collegiate accomplishments,” said Michael Comerford, president of the Heisman Trophy Trust. “We considered the enormous changes in college athletics over the last several years in deciding that now is the right time to reinstate the Trophy for Reggie. We are so happy to welcome him back.”

The Heisman Trophy Trust closely monitored the changes in the college football landscape before deciding to return the trophy to Bush. The Trust acknowledged that the compensation of student-athletes is now an accepted practice and decided that now is the right time to return the trophy to Bush, who was unquestionably the most outstanding college football player of 2005.

Bush, a 2023 College Football Hall of Fame inductee, had an impressive tenure at USC, totaling 4,470 yards from scrimmage. He led the nation with 2,218 yards from scrimmage and scored 19 times during his 2005 campaign.

As part of the announcement, the Heisman Trust returned the replica of the trophy to USC and the original to Bush. Additionally, Bush will be invited to all future Heisman Trophy ceremonies, including the 90th ceremony later this year.