ESPN Report: Schools with Most Heisman Trophy Winners in College Football, You Won’t Believe Who Tops the All-Time List!
When it comes to individual honors in college football, few awards carry the prestige of the Heisman Trophy. Awarded annually to the most outstanding player in NCAA football, the Heisman represents the pinnacle of individual achievement in the sport. While many schools have boasted exceptional talent over the decades, only a select few have consistently produced players worthy of this iconic honor. Here’s a closer look at the universities that have seen the most of their athletes take home college football’s most coveted prize.
At the top of the list sits the University of Southern California (USC), tied with Notre Dame and Ohio State, each boasting **seven** Heisman Trophy winners. These three historic programs have long been known for their dominance on the field, and their Heisman legacies only add to their storied reputations.
**USC**’s Heisman lineage includes legends like O.J. Simpson (1968), Carson Palmer (2002), Matt Leinart (2004), and most recently, Caleb Williams (2022). The Trojans have become synonymous with offensive firepower and quarterback excellence — a formula that has helped them dominate the Heisman stage.
**Notre Dame**, another blue-blood program, earned its seven Heisman trophies with winners such as Angelo Bertelli (1943), Paul Hornung (1956), and Tim Brown (1987). The Fighting Irish have consistently combined elite talent with national exposure, a key ingredient in building Heisman campaigns.
**Ohio State** joins them with an impressive tally that includes two-time winner Archie Griffin (1974 and 1975) — still the only player to win the Heisman twice. Other Buckeyes like Eddie George (1995) and Troy Smith (2006) further highlight the program’s ability to produce elite talent capable of dominating college football.
Just behind the leading trio is **Oklahoma**, with six Heisman winners. The Sooners have recently emerged as a quarterback-producing powerhouse, with Baker Mayfield (2017), Kyler Murray (2018), and Sam Bradford (2008) all hoisting the trophy in recent years. Their offensive system and national prominence have made them a regular fixture in Heisman conversations.
Other programs making their mark include the **University of Florida**, **Florida State**, **Auburn**, and **Nebraska**, each with multiple Heisman recipients. While these schools may not top the all-time list, their contributions to Heisman history are significant and filled with unforgettable performances.
The distribution of Heisman winners not only reflects individual excellence but also points to broader trends in college football — from coaching philosophies and offensive systems to national media visibility and team success.
As college football continues to evolve with NIL deals, conference realignments, and playoff expansion, it remains to be seen how future Heisman trends will develop. However, one thing is certain: schools with a tradition of excellence, elite coaching, and the ability to develop talent will always be at the forefront of Heisman history.
