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The 30 Greatest Heisman Trophy Winners in College Football History

By Zach Bigalke

Dec 13, 2014; New York, NY, USA; The Heisman Trophy sits on a pedestal before the pre-announcement press conference at the New York Marriott Marquis. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2014; New York, NY, USA; The Heisman Trophy sits on a pedestal before the pre-announcement press conference at the New York Marriott Marquis. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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13. Charles Woodson (CB/Michigan)

Received 65.7% of the vote in 1997

  • RUSHING: 3 carries, 15 yards, 1 TD
  • RECEIVING: 11 receptions, 231 yards, 2 TDs
  • PUNT RETURNS: 33 returns, 283 yards, 1 TD
  • DEFENSE: 7 interceptions, 43 tackles, 4 TFL, 1 sack, 5 pass break-ups
  • 9.93 yards/play
  • 13.5 plays/TD

Before his storied career as a defensive back in the NFL, Charles Woodson was a two-way star in an era of specialization. In addition to his role as a shutdown corner for the Wolverines, Woodson also moonlighted on offense and special teams to make an impact in all three phases of the game. He intercepted seven passes, scored three touchdowns on offense as well as a famous punt return against Ohio State, and finished ninth all-time among Heisman winners in yards per play.

The Michigan man was a key part of the school’s most recent national championship, which they split with Nebraska in 1997 after knocking off Washington State 21-16 in the Rose Bowl. In Heisman voting he earned 150 more first-place votes than Tennessee quarterback Peyton Manning, winning in every region but the south. In the process, Woodson became the first true two-way player since Ernie Davis in 1961 to win the award.

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