Heisman Trophy Freshman Winners

Last Modified Aug 26, 2025 13:30 GMT
Heisman Trophy Freshman Winners
Johnny Manziel, winner of the Heisman Trophy as a freshman in 2012. Source: @jmanziel2

The Heisman Trophy is the annual award presented to the outstanding collegiate player in the United States. The trophy was named after John W. Heisman in 1935. He was a player, coach, and one of the founding members of American football. The Heisman Trophy is managed by the Heisman Trophy Trust. This trophy is awarded to a player who has a remarkable individual performance on the field and sportsmanship off the field.

The selection process involves sports journalists, previous Heisman winners, and a fan vote, ensuring a broad consensus. The trophy is designed in a way that depicts a player in a stiff-arm pose, symbolizing athleticism and determination. The award ceremony is held in New York City every year in December. Some of the past winners are legends like Barry Sanders, Tim Tebow, and Jayden Daniels in 2023. The Heisman Trophy is the ultimate college football prize, exhibiting players’ individual athletic skills and sportsmanship.

Which players have won the Heisman Trophy as a freshman?

Two freshmen have won the Heisman Trophy. Johnny Manziel from the Texas A&M Aggies became the first freshman to win the Heisman in 2012, followed by Florida State's Jameis Winston in 2013.

YearPlayerPositionSchool
2012Johnny ManzielQBTexas A&M
2013Jameis WinstonQBFlorida State

READ MORE: List of College football teams with the most Heisman Trophy winners

FAQs on Heisman Trophy

A. The Heisman Trophy is an annual award given to the most outstanding college football player in the U.S.

A. Johnny Manziel won as a freshman in 2012 while playing for Texas A&M.

A. The award is presented every December in New York City.

A. It represents excellence in college football performance and sportsmanship.

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