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Reggie Bush’s Heisman: College football world reacts to reinstatement of Bush’s prestigious award
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Reggie Bush is reportedly set to receive the official reinstatement of his 2005 Heisman Trophy, according to a breaking news report from Wednesday morning.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported the news that the Heisman Trust will announce on Wednesday a formal “reinstatement” of Bush’s Heisman due to “enormous changes in the college football landscape.” Bush originally forfeited his Heisman in 2010 following NCAA sanctions leveled at USC that included Bush receiving improper benefits during his career with the Trojans (2003-05).
Bush will receive the official trophy after Wednesday’s announcement with the Heisman Trust issuing an official replica to USC. The star running back will once again be invited to all future Heisman Trophy ceremonies beginning with the 2024 season.
“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 in a statement to ESPN. “I also look forward to working together with the Heisman Trust to advance the values and mission of the organization.”
Bush began lobbying for his trophy to be reinstated when NIL laws were put in place in 2021. However, he was far from alone in his requests with many fans and fellow former players expressing a desire to see Bush have his trophy returned. Former Texas A&M QB and fellow Heisman winner Johnny Manziel was among the most vocal in support of Bush.
Following Wednesday’s report, the college football world erupted in celebration. Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin, USC star and fellow Heisman winner Caleb Williams, Manziel and many others were included in the swift and joyous celebration on social media.
Reaction
Holy shit, Reggie Bush is actually getting his Heisman Trophy back. That’s incredible. https://t.co/NcSj9hVzrS
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) April 24, 2024
This is sooooo awesome!!! Finally. #BestEver @ReggieBush @uscfb https://t.co/KTbeRp73J1
— Lane Kiffin (@Lane_Kiffin) April 24, 2024
Couldn’t be happier for my guy @ReggieBush ?? https://t.co/iwjc1Kuu85
— Johnny Manziel (@JManziel2) April 24, 2024
One of the greatest days of all time? It’s about damn time https://t.co/esoKIW7XlN
— Bailey VanHouten (@LWOSVanHouten) April 24, 2024
Yes sirskii. It’s timeee https://t.co/aaBumHoWpp
— Caleb Williams (@CALEBcsw) April 24, 2024
A generational player. Held your breath every time he touched the football. Always felt like you were going to see something amazing happen. https://t.co/D0OK0IPY6r pic.twitter.com/lG3U4gYaCr
— Big Ten Ted (@BigTenTed) April 24, 2024
Long overdue.
Congratulations to the most electric college football player of all time, @ReggieBush. https://t.co/WJtIpjfkim— Marty Smith (@MartySmithESPN) April 24, 2024
Still unforgivable that the NCAA’s Bush punishment included a 10-year disassociation period and required USC to justify “why it should not be penalized further if it fails to permanently disassociate.” But hey, we’re righting old wrongs, and it feels pretty good. https://t.co/HIyGTmhUnR
— Bill Connelly (@ESPN_BillC) April 24, 2024
Get Reggie in the Heisman House commercials yesterday https://t.co/0fRDmODjPl pic.twitter.com/XNETiIS1Cu
— ThreeTechPod ? (@ThreeTechPod) April 24, 2024
Yes! It’s about time https://t.co/hMUlOiX34c
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 24, 2024
Looks like the No. 5 jersey will be back up in the Coliseum soon https://t.co/tdLV0yRcdL
— Antonio Morales (@AntonioCMorales) April 24, 2024
One of the most dynamic college football players ever. Good for Reggie. https://t.co/WtGti32cPc pic.twitter.com/483mIJUmma
— The Astros will be fine ppl (@FondofHOUsports) April 24, 2024
The most electrifying CFB player I’ve ever witnessed. https://t.co/loyyR2yLDS pic.twitter.com/k9xjPMFbWn
— Barry Off-White (@901Chriss) April 24, 2024
Awesome. This is the right move. https://t.co/WNYjk0NZAm
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) April 24, 2024
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.