Runner-Ups of the Heisman: Stories of Glory and Heartbreak in College Football

In the realm of college football, the Heisman Trophy represents the pinnacle of individual achievement, a moment in which a player’s hard work, skill, and perseverance are recognized on a grand stage. Yet, for many players who come agonizingly close to this prestigious accolade, the experience can be a bittersweet affair marked by anticipation and, ultimately, disappointment. As we reflect on the stories of several notable runner-ups, we gain insight into what it truly means to be on the cusp of college football immortality. Take Toby Gerhart, the Stanford running back who electrified audiences in 2009. His performance against Notre Dame was nothing short of spectacular, leading fans to chant “Heis-man, Heis-man” as he left the field. He would sit through the hour-long Heisman ceremony, heart racing, fingers crossed, hoping that his name would be called. When the moment came, however, it was Alabama's Mark Ingram who took home the trophy by a narrow margin of just 28 points, leaving Gerhart as a footnote in the history of the award. Similarly, Chuck Long, the Iowa quarterback who led his team through a historic game against Michigan in 1985, experienced the thrill of being a finalist. Yet, he, too, would find himself overshadowed by Bo Jackson, who won the closest Heisman vote in the award's history. “I was a little disappointed,” said Texas quarterback Colt McCoy, who faced the same fate, falling short to Sam Bradford in 2008. They all share a common thread—while they basked in the limelight of being finalists, they were ultimately relegated to the background as the winners took their place in college football lore. While the Heisman Trust facilitates a few post-ceremony receptions for the runner-ups, the reality is that they soon fade from the national spotlight. Their names may echo in local circles, but on a national scale, they often become trivia answers rather than celebrated legends. The regional bias that affects many contenders, particularly those from less prominent football programs, adds another layer of complexity to their narratives. As Gerhart noted, being a Stanford athlete often meant competing for attention in a crowded field, especially in time zones that made it challenging for fans to engage with their games. The stories of runner-ups often intersect with the broader narrative of the Heisman itself. The award has seen its share of controversies, such as the memorable 1997 contest where Michigan’s Charles Woodson triumphed over the favored Peyton Manning, a win that highlighted the sometimes unpredictable nature of Heisman voting. Over the years, Stanford has known its share of near misses, with a staggering five second-place finishes from 2009 to 2017, underscoring how close the program has come to claiming the sought-after trophy. For many finalists, the experience of not winning can leave a lasting impact, not just on their careers but on how they are viewed in the annals of college football history. They are often left pondering how a Heisman win might have changed their trajectories, potentially altering their draft status or commercial opportunities. Despite these reflections, many maintain a sense of humor about their near-miss experiences, with Gerhart quipping about missed opportunities in Heisman-themed commercials and Long playfully asserting his athletic prowess over Jackson despite the trophy's absence. Ultimately, the journey of being a Heisman runner-up weaves a complex tapestry of triumph and disappointment. It showcases the resilience of these athletes who, despite not being crowned the best in their collegiate ranks, continue to shape the sport through their contributions and enduring legacies. They serve as reminders that while the Heisman Trophy may crown a winner, it is the collective experiences of all finalists that enrich the narrative of college football, where sweat, dedication, and a dash of luck converge on the field.