Winning the Heisman Trophy often means defining a season, not just having a great one. Over the past decade, we have seen everything from unforgettable underdog stories to historically dominant campaigns. Comparing them is not easy, but that will not stop us here at Sandman Sports. So here is our ranking of the last 10 Heisman Trophy winners.
10. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana, 2025
There is not much debate here. If this season took place in almost any other Heisman race, Mendoza likely would not have made the trip to New York. He still had a phenomenal year and one of the best storylines we have seen. A former two star recruit with a last minute offer from Cal, Mendoza worked his way up and helped turn Indiana into the best team in the country. His story pulls at the heartstrings, but the on field production does not stand out nearly as much as the other winners on this list.
9. Caleb Williams, QB, USC, 2022
Heisman moments matter, and Caleb Williams had plenty of them. He may have been the most entertaining player to watch on television that season, which counts for a lot. However, when compared to other winners, his case is hurt by the two losses to Utah that knocked USC out of the playoff. The Cotton Bowl loss to Tulane did not help either.
8. Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU, 2023
Much like Williams, Jayden Daniels was held back slightly by team results. LSU lost early to Florida State and dropped two more games later, keeping them out of the conference championship. Daniels’ ability as a runner added another stress point for defenses on top of his excellent passing, but the overall team success and storyline fall just short of the players ranked ahead of him.
7. Bryce Young, QB, Alabama, 2021
Bryce Young had a great season, but it is not quite as memorable as some of the others on this list. Part of that is due to Alabama’s dominance for much of the year, but Young was also somewhat inconsistent at times. Looking back, he was usually the best player on the field, though he made a few questionable decisions throughout the season.
6. Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado, 2024
Travis Hunter did something we had not really seen before. He played both sides of the ball at a level high enough to win the Heisman Trophy. That said, he was not the best player in the country at either receiver or corner. He did win the Biletnikoff, but that decision was debatable. It was still an outstanding season, but to rank higher, I think you need to be the best player in college football at least one position.
5. DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama, 2020
This might be the greatest season we have ever seen from a wide receiver. Smith put up 215 yards in the first half of the national championship game alone. The fact that it came during the COVID year makes comparisons difficult, as some teams played full schedules while others played six games or fewer. Still, there is no denying Smith’s dominance and impact.
4. Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville, 2016
The only thing holding this season back was Louisville’s late season collapse. With more team success, Lamar Jackson could easily sit right behind Burrow. He may be the most impactful individual player of the last decade, especially considering what he did for a program that does not typically reach that level of national relevance.
3. Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma, 2017
From planting the flag at Ohio State to grabbing his junk in front of Kansas fans, Baker Mayfield delivered one of the most memorable seasons of all time. His quarterback play backed up the antics, as he was both highly entertaining and incredibly effective, often winning games almost by himself. The controversy only amplified the story.
2. Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma, 2018
There was not much postseason success, but the regular season was exceptional. Kyler Murray went from first year starter to Heisman winner and first overall pick in a single season. He was efficient as a passer and dynamic as a runner in a way we rarely see.
1. Joe Burrow, QB, LSU, 2019
This ranking should not surprise anyone. LSU’s 2019 team has a legitimate argument as the greatest of all time, and Joe Burrow was its leader. He threw for over 5,600 yards and 60 touchdowns. That alone tells the story of the greatest Heisman season of the last decade.