Heisman Trust returning 2005 Heisman Trophy to Reggie Bush

The Heisman Trust is rectifying a prominent situation, choosing to give Reggie Bush his 2005 Heisman Trophy back, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

“Reggie Bush is getting his 2005 Heisman Trophy back, as ESPN has learned that the Heisman Trust will announce Wednesday the formal ‘reinstatement’ of the trophy to Bush amid what it calls ‘enormous changes in the college football landscape.’ The Heisman Trust’s decision comes after Bush forfeited his Heisman Trophy in 2010 in the wake of significant NCAA sanctions for USC, which included Bush receiving improper benefits during a Trojans career that spanned from 2003 to 2005,” Thamel reported.

“As part of the decision Wednesday, the Heisman Trust is returning the Heisman Trophy to Bush and a replica to USC. Bush will again be invited to all future Heisman Trophy ceremonies, beginning in the 2024 season.”

Bush provided a statement to ESPN on the matter, elaborating on how thrilled he is to be reunited with the trophy he’s longed for to be back in his possession.

“Personally, I’m thrilled to reunite with my fellow Heisman winners and be a part of the storied legacy of the Heisman Trophy, and I’m honored to return to the Heisman family,” Bush said, via a statement to ESPN. “I also look forward to working together with the Heisman Trust to advance the values and mission of the organization.”

According to Thamel, the Heisman Trust underwent a “deliberative process” in giving Bush back his accolade, monitoring a “seat change in college athletics” over the last couple of seasons. Additionally, “fundamental changes in college athletics” in which rules that have allowed “student athlete compensation” to become “an accepted practice and appears here to stay” were cited, per Thamel.

Moreover, Michael Comerford, president of The Heisman Trophy Trust, also provided a statement to ESPN, welcoming Bush back to the fraternity.

“We are thrilled to welcome Reggie Bush back to the Heisman family in recognition of his collegiate accomplishments,” said Comerford. “We considered the enormous changes in college athletics over the last several years in deciding that now is the right time to reinstate the trophy for Reggie. We are so happy to welcome him back.”

Reggie Bush’s 2005 season was one for the history books, and it deserved to be celebrated among the best in college football’s illustrious history. Thanks to the decision of the Heisman Trust, that’s now possible again, as the former USC star can once again be recognizes with this prestigious honor.