Yes, freshmen have indeed won the Heisman Trophy. While the Heisman, awarded to the most outstanding player in college football, has historically been won predominantly by seniors, there have been notable exceptions.
The tradition of senior dominance in Heisman voting saw a significant shift in the early 2010s. The first freshman to break this long-standing pattern was Johnny Manziel, a dynamic quarterback for Texas A&M. He made history by winning the Heisman Trophy in 2012, marking a pivotal moment for the award.
The following year, another freshman quarterback continued this new trend. In 2013, Jameis Winston of Florida State also secured the Heisman, demonstrating that exceptional talent can emerge and be recognized regardless of a player's class standing. These two instances firmly established that freshmen are capable of winning college football's most prestigious individual award.
Freshman Heisman Trophy Winners
The table below lists the freshmen who have won the Heisman Trophy:
| Year | Player | Position | University |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Johnny Manziel | Quarterback | Texas A&M |
| 2013 | Jameis Winston | Quarterback | Florida State |
These players' victories underscore their remarkable impact on their respective teams and the sport during their debut collegiate seasons.
