Lincoln Riley reacts to rightful return of Reggie Bush's Heisman Trophy: 'It's special'

Legendary USC Trojans running back Reggie Bush has had his Heisman Trophy rightfully returned to him. It was a moment that current USC head coach Lincoln Riley explained felt like a special moment for everyone.

This reaction came when Riley was making an appearance on SportsCenter just days after the Heisman Trust chose to restore Bush’s Heisman Trophy.

“It’s special,” Lincoln Riley said. “You’re talking about one of the most electric players to play the game. I mean, a guy that just captivated everyone that was fortunate enough to watch him.”

Reggie Bush played at USC from 2003 through the 2005 season. During that time, he rushed for 3,169 yards and 25 touchdowns. He also had 1,301 receiving yards and 13 receiving touchdowns. The majority of that production came in 2005, when he won the Heisman Trophy.

However, the Heisman Trust later stripped Bush of his Heisman Trophy over violations related to a sports agent. For some time now, there has been pressure on the Heisman Trust to return Bush’s award but it took until earlier in April for that to happen.

“I think, now that I’ve been at SC for a couple of years I’ve had the chance to get to know Reggie a little bit, I know how important it is to him and his family, how important it is to USC, and how important it is to the Heisman. There’s so many great people at the Heisman Trophy. We’ve been fortunate enough to get to know them. The things they do behind the scenes that maybe the public doesn’t see that are so tremendous,” Riley said.

“So, I think it’s a great step. I think everybody involved should be really proud and excited about the decision and, obviously, all of us at USC are just thrilled by it and feel like it’s a great thing for all of us, for college football, for Reggie, for the Heisman. It’s a win for everyone.”

With the restoration of Bush’s Heisman Trophy, USC is the program that has won more Heismans than any other school, with Mike Garrett, O.J. Simpson, Charles White, Marcus Allen, Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush, and Caleb Williams winning the award.

For his own part, Lincoln Riley has gained a reputation over the years for his ability to develop Heisman Trophy-caliber quarterbacks. Among those who have won the prestigious award while playing for Riley are Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and presumptive first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Caleb Williams.