List of MVPs of the Rose Bowl

Last Modified Dec 23, 2024 07:12 GMT
2024 Rose Bowl Offense MVP J.J. Mccarthy (Image - @jjmccarthy)
2024 Rose Bowl Offensive MVP, J.J. Mccarthy. Source: Instagram/@jjmccarthy

The Rose Bowl Game is one of college football's most iconic and historic events. Played annually on January 1st in Pasadena, California, it is often referred to as "The Granddaddy of Them All" because it is the oldest bowl game, first played in 1902. Traditionally, it features top teams from the Big Ten and Pac-12 conferences, though in recent years, it has also been part of the College Football Playoff rotation.

Held in the Rose Bowl Stadium, it is a part of the Tournament of Roses festivities, including the famous Rose Parade. Every year, two of the best teams in the two conferences give in their all to win the Leishman Trophy. While all the players of the team give their best in the match, there’s always one footballer who stands out as the best.

List of Rose Bowl MVPs

2024 Rose Bowl MVP Defense (Image - @mason.g.35)
2024 Rose Bowl Defensive MVP, Mason Graham. Source: Instagram/@mason.g.35

The Rose Bowl MVP is awarded annually with the Player of the Game award. The award is handed to two players - one for the best in offense and the other for the best in defense. Over the years, many talented players have had the opportunity to win the prestigious Rose Bowl award.

Rose Bowl MVPs (2005 - Present)

YearOffense MVPTeamPositionDefense MVPTeamPosition
2024J. J. McCarthyMichiganQBMason GrahamMichiganDT
2023Sean CliffordPenn StateQBJi'Ayir BrownPenn StateS
2022Jaxon Smith-NjigbaOhio StateWRTommy EichenbergOhio StateLB
2021DeVonta SmithAlabamaWRPatrick Surtain IIAlabamaCB
2020Justin HerbertOregonQBBrady BreezeOregonS
2019Dwayne HaskinsOhio StateQBBrendon WhiteOhio StateS
2018Sony MichelGeorgiaRBRoquan SmithGeorgiaLB
2017Sam DarnoldUSCQBStevie Tu'ikolovatuUSCDT
2016Christian McCaffreyStanfordRBAziz ShittuStanfordDE
2015Marcus MariotaOregonQBTony WashingtonOregonLB
2014Connor CookMichigan StateQBKyler ElsworthMichigan StateLB
2013Stepfan TaylorStanfordRBUsua AmanamStanfordDB
2012Lavasier TuineiOregonWRKiko AlonsoOregonLB
2011Andy DaltonTCUQBTank CarderTCULB
2010Terrelle PryorOhio StateQBKenny RoweOregonDE
2009Mark SanchezUSCQBKaluka MaiavaUSCLB
2008John David BootyUSCQBRey MaualugaUSCLB
2007Dwayne JarrettUSCWRBrian CushingUSCOLB
2006Vince YoungTexasQBMichael HuffTexasS
2005Vince YoungTexasQBLaMarr WoodleyMichiganLB

Also Read: List of the winners of the Rose Bowl Game

Rose Bowl MVPs (Before 2005)

YearMVP (s)
2004Matt Leinart, USC
2003Nate Hybl, Oklahoma University
2002Ken Dorsey & Andre Johnson, Miami
2001Marques Tuiasosopo, Washington
2000Ron Dayne, Wisconsin
1999Ron Dayne, Wisconsin
1998Brian Griese, Michigan
1997Joe Germaine, Ohio State
1996Keyshawn Johnson, USC
1995Ki-Jana Carter, Penn State & Danny O'Neil, Oregon
1994Brent Moss, Wisconsin
1993Tyrone Wheatley, Michigan
1992Steve Emtman, Washington & Billy Joe Hobert, Washington
1991Mark Brunell, Washington
1990Ricky Ervins, USC
1989Leroy Hoard, Michigan
1988Percy Snow, Michigan State
1987Jeff Van Raaphorst, Arizona State
1986Eric Ball, UCLA
1985Tim Green, USC & Jack Del Rio, USC
1984Rick Neuheisel, UCLA
1983Don Rogers, UCLA & Tom Ramsey, UCLA
1982Jacque Robinson, Washington
1981Butch Woolfolk, Michigan
1980Charles White, USC
1979Charles White, USC & Rick Leach, Michigan
1978Warren Moon, Washington
1977Vince Evans, USC
1976John Sciarra, UCLA
1975Pat Haden, USC & J.K. McCay, USC
1974Cornelius Green, Ohio State
1973Sam Cunningham, USC
1972Don Bunce, Stanford
1971Jim Plunkett, Stanford
1970Bob Chandler, USC
1969Rex Kern, Ohio State
1968O.J. Simpson, USC
1967John Charles, Purdue
1966Bob Stiles, UCLA
1965Mel Anthony, Michigan
1964Jim Grabowski, Illinois
1963Pete Beathard, USC
1962Sandy Stephens, Minnesota
1961Bob Schloredt, Washington
1960Bob Schloredt, Washington & George Fleming, Washington
1959Bob Jeter, Iowa
1958Jack Crabtree, Oregon
1957Kenneth Ploen, Iowa
1956Walter Kowalczyk, Michigan
1955Dave Leggett, Ohio State
1954Billy Wells, Michigan State
1953Rudy Bukich, USC
1952William Tate, Illinois
1951Donald Dufek, Michigan
1950Fred "Curley" Morrison, Ohio State
1949Frank Aschenbrenner, Northwestern
1948Robert Chappuis, Michigan
1947Claude "Buddy" Young, Illinois & Julius Rykovich, Illinois
1946James Gilmer, Alabama
1945Jim Hardy, USC
1944Norman Verry, USC
1943Charles Trippi, Georgia
1942Donald Durdan, Oregon State
1941Peter Kmetovic, Stanford
1940Ambrose Schindler, USC
1939Doyle Nave, USC & Alvin Krueger, USC
1938Victor Bottari, California
1937William Daddio, Pittsburgh
1936James Moscrip, Stanford & Keith Topping, Stanford
1935Millard "Dixie" Howell, Alabama
1934Cliff Montgomery, Columbia
1933Homer Griffith, USC
1932Emy Pinckert, USC
1931John Campbell, Alabama
1930Russell Saunders, USC
1929Benny Lom, California
1928Clifford Hoffman, Stanford
1927Fred Pickhard, Alabama
1926John Mack Brown, Alabama & George Wilson, Washington
1925Elmer Layden, Notre Dame & Ernie Nevers, Stanford
1924Ira Mckee, Navy
1923Leo Calland, USC
1922Russel Stein, Washington & Jefferson
1921Harold Miller, California
1920Edward Casey, Harvard
1919George Halas, Great Lakes Navy
1918Hollis Huntington, Mare Island Marines
1917John Beckett, Oregon
1916Carl Dietz, Washington State
1902Neil Snow, Michigan

Players with multiple Rose Bowl Player of the Game Awards

PlayerTeamYear
Vince YoungTexas2005, 2006
Ron DayneWisconsin1999, 2000
Charles WhiteUSC1979, 1980
Bob SchloredtWashington1960, 1961

FAQs on Rose Bowl Game MVPs

A. Mason Graham of Michigan became the Rose Bowl defensive MVP in 2024. 

A. Jim Grabowski of Illinois was the MVP of the 1964 Rose Bowl. 

A. Yes, two Player of the Game Awards or MVPs are announced every year in the Rose Bowl - one in offense and another in defense. 

A. Like every year, Rose Bowl 2025 will take place in the Rose Bowl stadium. 

Related Stories

Can SMU beat Penn State? Predicting the best possible result for Mustangs against Nittany Lions Can SMU beat Penn State? Predicting the best possible result for Mustangs against Nittany Lions
Can SMU beat Penn State? Predicting the best possible result for Mustangs against Nittany Lions 
Clemson vs Texas prediction & betting tips - Dec. 21 - College Football Playoff Clemson vs Texas prediction & betting tips - Dec. 21 - College Football Playoff
Clemson vs Texas prediction & betting tips - Dec. 21 - College Football Playoff
Can Clemson beat Texas? Predicting the best possible result for Tigers against Longhorns Can Clemson beat Texas? Predicting the best possible result for Tigers against Longhorns
Can Clemson beat Texas? Predicting the best possible result for Tigers against Longhorns 
VIDEO: Tennessee HC Josh Heupel looks hyped up as he meets fans right before Ohio State clash VIDEO: Tennessee HC Josh Heupel looks hyped up as he meets fans right before Ohio State clash
VIDEO: Tennessee HC Josh Heupel looks hyped up as he meets fans right before Ohio State clash
1d
“I agree with you”: $14M worth Lane Kiffin boldly agrees with Nick Saban’s 'sh*t-talking' message to Curt Cignetti “I agree with you”: $14M worth Lane Kiffin boldly agrees with Nick Saban’s 'sh*t-talking' message to Curt Cignetti
“I agree with you”: $14M worth Lane Kiffin boldly agrees with Nick Saban’s 'sh*t-talking' message to Curt Cignetti
1d
Tennessee vs Ohio State prediction & betting tips - Dec. 21 - College Football Playoff Tennessee vs Ohio State prediction & betting tips - Dec. 21 - College Football Playoff
Tennessee vs Ohio State prediction & betting tips - Dec. 21 - College Football Playoff
1d
"Don't you guys dare touch that snow": CFB world make feelings clear over white capped Notre Dame before CFP Round 1 "Don't you guys dare touch that snow": CFB world make feelings clear over white capped Notre Dame before CFP Round 1
"Don't you guys dare touch that snow": CFB world make feelings clear over white capped Notre Dame before CFP Round 1
Best upset picks for 2024 college football bowl season ft. Boise State Best upset picks for 2024 college football bowl season ft. Boise State
Best upset picks for 2024 college football bowl season ft. Boise State 
Who are the SMU vs Penn State game announcers today on TNT? All you need to know about the coverage team Who are the SMU vs Penn State game announcers today on TNT? All you need to know about the coverage team
Who are the SMU vs Penn State game announcers today on TNT? All you need to know about the coverage team
Who will Penn State play next in CFP Quarterfinals? Nittany Lions opponents after SMU win explored Who will Penn State play next in CFP Quarterfinals? Nittany Lions opponents after SMU win explored
Who will Penn State play next in CFP Quarterfinals? Nittany Lions opponents after SMU win explored
22h
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
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications