Reggie Bush is once again a Heisman Trophy winner.
The Heisman Trust announced Wednesday that it has reinstated the former USC running back’s 2005 award, overturning his widely-criticized forfeiture more than a decade ago amid NCAA violations.
“We are thrilled to welcome Reggie back to the Heisman family,” Trust President Michael Comerford stated, citing “enormous changes in college athletics” paving the way for Bush’s reinstatement.
“Recognizing that the compensation of student athletes is an accepted practice and appears here to stay, these fundamental changes in college athletics led the Trust to decide that now is the right time to return the Trophy to Bush.”
Reggie Bush originally had to surrender the prestigious award in 2010 after an investigation found he had received improper benefits from agents while starring for the Trojans – a violation of bygone rules that no longer apply in the new NAME, IMAGE AND LIKENESS (NIL) era.
With athletes now able to profit from their fame and the U.S. Supreme Court raising doubts about the NCAA’s business practices, the Trust concluded there was no reason to continue punishing Bush for transgressions that would be permissible under today’s reformed landscape.
“I’m honored to return to the Heisman family,” Reggie Bush told ESPN, welcoming the chance to “reunite with my fellow winners” and reclaim his place in the award’s storied legacy.
The 2005 season was indeed one for the ages, with Bush racking up 2,218 scrimmage yards and 16 rushing touchdowns en route to a landslide Heisman victory. His record-setting 784 first-place votes that year spoke to his unparalleled brilliance and popularity.
With his reinstatement, USC also reclaimed its perch as the NCAA’s “Heisman U” with eight total winners, breaking a four-way tie with Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Oklahoma. The Trojans will receive a replica trophy to sit alongside their other seven.