On the morning of Wednesday, April 24, 2024, the Heisman Trophy Trust announced that it would be reinstating Reggie Bush’s trophy from 2005.
Bush, who initially won the trophy after an incredible season with the USC Trojans, returned his Heisman after being accused of breaking NCAA rules by accepting gifts from agents.
Over the past two decades, people have gone back and forth on whether or not Bush should have his Heisman Trophy reinstated, but the debate is settled.
Welcome Home!
— The Heisman Trophy (@HeismanTrophy) April 24, 2024
We are reinstating the 2005 Heisman Trophy to the University of Southern California’s @ReggieBush!
In 2005, Bush gained more than 2000 yards from scrimmage and scored 18 touchdowns. He received 784 first-place votes, the fifth-most in Heisman Trophy history, while… pic.twitter.com/34oCD7P8CY
While many college football fans across the country reacted joyously about Bush having his Heisman Trophy reinstated by the Trust, one fan base was fairly salty that the former Trojan was once again in the spotlight.
Reggie Bush is getting Vince Young's Heisman back. https://t.co/sAAEoA50OT
— Brian Edwards (@BrianEdwards63) April 24, 2024
With today's news on Reggie Bush getting his Heisman Trophy back I took it upon myself to contact Texas DPS and ask if my speeding ticket$ can be refunded since the speed limit in Texas was once 55, 65 and even in many places 75+?
— David Smoak (@DavidSmoak) April 24, 2024
The Texas Longhorns took down Bush and USC in the Rose Bowl to bring home the national title at the end of the season.
Reggie Bush did not lead his team in Rushing TDs the year he “won the Heisman”. Meanwhile, Vince Young was the first QB in the 100+ year history of CFB to throw for 3000+ and rush for 1000+ yds. Congrats to Reggie on getting back Vince Young’s Heisman.
— HornsFan29 🤘🏻 (@HornsFan29) April 24, 2024
Based on the rules and how this all works, there wasn’t really a debate that Reggie Bush deserved the 2005 Heisman Trophy
— Pete Fiutak (@PeteFiutak) April 24, 2024
If everyone NOW chirping about Vince Young wants to join my belief that the Heisman should be awarded AFTER THE SEASON, there’s plenty of room on the train
Don’t let the fact that Reggie Bush getting reinstated deter you from the fact Vince Young should have won it.
— Mr. Coach Brooks (@TXCWB74) April 24, 2024
Quarterback Vince Young led the Horns to their resounding victory over the Trojans and Texas fans, to this day, argue that the Heisman should have been his.
They should’ve never took Reggie Bush Heisman in the first place, matter of fact it should’ve went to Vince Young lol 😂
— 🏁Jerm 🏁 (@OneOnOneWthJerm) April 24, 2024
The Trust taking away the Heisman Trophy from Reggie Bush again to give it to its rightful owner, Vince Young pic.twitter.com/1gUFmGk6cF
— David In Austin (@DavidInAlief) April 24, 2024
When Bush first returned his Heisman Trophy, Young was asked if he would like to be honored with the award since he was the runner-up in 2005.
Young turned down the Heisman Trust's offer since he didn't win the trophy outright and didn't want to receive it as a pity reward.
However, while Bush can take his Heisman back home, the one trophy that matters from that season belongs to the Horns.
Young’s last-second scramble into the corner of the endzone lives in the minds of Texas fans everywhere… and probably dwells in the nightmares of USC fans.
Reggie Bush never should’ve had the Heisman taken away. As for not having him on the field, 4th and 2, National Championships at stake vs. Vince Young and the Longhorns, the trophy earned that night forever belongs to Texas. https://t.co/cwWRMw05nM pic.twitter.com/2e05YmJZzy
— Dinn Mann (@mooseoutfront) April 24, 2024
Reggie Bush may have won the Heisman Trophy, but Vince Young won the National Championship single handedly. pic.twitter.com/NoJh07smd8
— Brian Tiner (@SaltyVet20) April 24, 2024
The 2005 National Championship win was the fourth in Texas football history. The Horns haven’t seen the national title game since 2009 when the Alabama Crimson Tide defeated Texas and quarterback Colt McCoy.