Heisman Trophy Freshman Winners

Last Modified Aug 26, 2025 13:30 GMT
Heisman Trophy Freshman Winners
Johnny Manziel, winner of the Heisman Trophy as a freshman in 2012. Source: @jmanziel2

The Heisman Trophy is the annual award presented to the outstanding collegiate player in the United States. The trophy was named after John W. Heisman in 1935. He was a player, coach, and one of the founding members of American football. The Heisman Trophy is managed by the Heisman Trophy Trust. This trophy is awarded to a player who has a remarkable individual performance on the field and sportsmanship off the field.

The selection process involves sports journalists, previous Heisman winners, and a fan vote, ensuring a broad consensus. The trophy is designed in a way that depicts a player in a stiff-arm pose, symbolizing athleticism and determination. The award ceremony is held in New York City every year in December. Some of the past winners are legends like Barry Sanders, Tim Tebow, and Jayden Daniels in 2023. The Heisman Trophy is the ultimate college football prize, exhibiting players’ individual athletic skills and sportsmanship.

Which players have won the Heisman Trophy as a freshman?

Two freshmen have won the Heisman Trophy. Johnny Manziel from the Texas A&M Aggies became the first freshman to win the Heisman in 2012, followed by Florida State's Jameis Winston in 2013.

YearPlayerPositionSchool
2012Johnny ManzielQBTexas A&M
2013Jameis WinstonQBFlorida State

READ MORE: List of College football teams with the most Heisman Trophy winners

FAQs on Heisman Trophy

A. The Heisman Trophy is an annual award given to the most outstanding college football player in the U.S.

A. Johnny Manziel won as a freshman in 2012 while playing for Texas A&M.

A. The award is presented every December in New York City.

A. It represents excellence in college football performance and sportsmanship.

Related Stories

College football playoff projection 2025: Alabama, Ohio State make the cut while Arch Manning & Texas stumble College football playoff projection 2025: Alabama, Ohio State make the cut while Arch Manning & Texas stumble
College football playoff projection 2025: Alabama, Ohio State make the cut while Arch Manning & Texas stumble
1d
"You cannot settle for mediocrity": CFB insider issues blunt take on Mike Norvell's hot seat status ahead of Wake Forest game "You cannot settle for mediocrity": CFB insider issues blunt take on Mike Norvell's hot seat status ahead of Wake Forest game
"You cannot settle for mediocrity": CFB insider issues blunt take on Mike Norvell's hot seat status ahead of Wake Forest game
6h
"They're beating really good opponents": Joel Klatt makes massive CFP Playoff prediction for Kalen DeBoer & Alabama "They're beating really good opponents": Joel Klatt makes massive CFP Playoff prediction for Kalen DeBoer & Alabama
"They're beating really good opponents": Joel Klatt makes massive CFP Playoff prediction for Kalen DeBoer & Alabama
8h
IN PICS: Steve Sarkisian’s wife Loreal Sarkisian reveals her favorite F1 racer as she turns head in all-black designer outfit IN PICS: Steve Sarkisian’s wife Loreal Sarkisian reveals her favorite F1 racer as she turns head in all-black designer outfit
IN PICS: Steve Sarkisian’s wife Loreal Sarkisian reveals her favorite F1 racer as she turns head in all-black designer outfit
1d
Armond Hawkins update: Bill Belichick shares positive news on suspended coach before UNC's game against Virginia Armond Hawkins update: Bill Belichick shares positive news on suspended coach before UNC's game against Virginia
Armond Hawkins update: Bill Belichick shares positive news on suspended coach before UNC's game against Virginia
1d
“This is sad to see,” “I wanna puke”: CFB fans react as Hugh Freeze look for public support from Auburn AD John Cohen amid job struggle “This is sad to see,” “I wanna puke”: CFB fans react as Hugh Freeze look for public support from Auburn AD John Cohen amid job struggle
“This is sad to see,” “I wanna puke”: CFB fans react as Hugh Freeze look for public support from Auburn AD John Cohen amid job struggle
College football national championship odds: Updated rankings for 2025-26 title in Week 9 ft. Ryan Day's Ohio State College football national championship odds: Updated rankings for 2025-26 title in Week 9 ft. Ryan Day's Ohio State
College football national championship odds: Updated rankings for 2025-26 title in Week 9 ft. Ryan Day's Ohio State
1d
Pilar Sanders celebrates daughter Shelomi's special moment while giving shoutout to sons Shilo and Shedeur Pilar Sanders celebrates daughter Shelomi's special moment while giving shoutout to sons Shilo and Shedeur
Pilar Sanders celebrates daughter Shelomi's special moment while giving shoutout to sons Shilo and Shedeur
10h
NCAA dismisses 5 for 5 eligibility: Latest update on proposal to end red shirts in college sports NCAA dismisses 5 for 5 eligibility: Latest update on proposal to end red shirts in college sports
NCAA dismisses 5 for 5 eligibility: Latest update on proposal to end red shirts in college sports
5h
CFB insider makes major prediction for Ryan Day & team ahead of Ohio State's iconic game against Big Ten rival CFB insider makes major prediction for Ryan Day & team ahead of Ohio State's iconic game against Big Ten rival
CFB insider makes major prediction for Ryan Day & team ahead of Ohio State's iconic game against Big Ten rival
6h
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
down arrow icon
More
bell-icon Manage notifications