Why did Reggie Bush lose his Heisman Trophy? USC star finally gets 2005 award back after it was taken away

At long last, Reggie Bush is getting his Heisman Trophy back. 

The former USC star running back put together one of the most impressive collegiate seasons back in 2005, starring out of the backfield for the Trojans. It was enough to earn him the Heisman Trophy as the best player in college football before embarking on a successful NFL career. 

However, for the last decade, his name was where to be found in the official record books of the Heisman. This was because the two-time All-American was stripped of the honor in 2010. 

Now, after more than a decade of fighting to get his award back, Bush will once again be recognized as a part of the Heisman family. An official announcement by the Heisman Trust is expected on Wednesday, per ESPN.

"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."

The decision to reinstate Bush's Heisman Trophy comes on the heels of a "deliberative process" by the Heisman Trust. The organization has been monitoring changes in the NCAA for a few years now, especially with the introduction of NIL for college athletes. The Trust cited "fundamental changes in college athletics" in which rules that have allowed "student athlete compensation" to become "an accepted practice and appears here to stay."

"We are thrilled to welcome Reggie Bush back to the Heisman family in recognition of his collegiate accomplishments," Michael Comerford, president of The Heisman Trophy Trust, said. "We considered the enormous changes in college athletics over the last several years in deciding that now is the right time to reinstate the trophy for Reggie. We are so happy to welcome him back."

Bush was already re-united with the award, The Heisman Trophy Trust confirmed Wednesday.

Welcome Home!

We are reinstating the 2005 Heisman Trophy to the University of Southern California’s @ReggieBush!

In 2005, Bush gained more than 2000 yards from scrimmage and scored 18 touchdowns. He received 784 first-place votes, the fifth-most in Heisman Trophy history, while… pic.twitter.com/34oCD7P8CY

— The Heisman Trophy (@HeismanTrophy) April 24, 2024

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For those that need a refresher on why Bush lost his Heisman and his career at USC, The Sporting News has you covered. 

What did Reggie Bush do to lose his Heisman Trophy?

Bush voluntarily forfeited his 2005 Heisman Trophy in 2010 after the NCAA hit USC with multiple sanctions after it was revealed that Bush received numerous improper benefits during his career with the Trojans. 

At the time, the NCAA rules prohibited Bush from profiting off his name and likeness. It turns out he received several thousand dollars and a vehicle from agents, and as a result, the NCAA punished both USC and Bush. 

Bush was going to lose the trophy one way or another. It was reported that the NCAA would strip him of the honor before he decided to give it up himself. 

As a result, the running back's sensational 2005 season has been overlooked for the past decade. On the Heisman Trust's online list of winners, the 2005 season is skipped, as the award has long been considered to be vacated — until now. 

Bush has been pushing to get his Heisman back since 2021, when the NCAA introduced a new day and age with the arrival of NIL guidelines. The sanctioning body initially shut down the idea of Bush getting his award, however, The Heisman Trust did say it would be restored if the NCAA reinstated his 2005 season.  

MORE: How Jayden Daniels beat Michael Penix Jr. for 2023 Heisman 

"Recognizing that the compensation of student athletes is an accepted practice and appears here to stay, these fundamental changes in college athletics led the Trust to decide that now is the right time to return the Trophy to Bush, who unquestionably was the most outstanding college football player of 2005," the Heisman Trophy Trust said.

Reggie Bush college stats

Bush played at USC from 2003 to 2005. While his freshman and sophomore seasons were solid campaigns to start his collegiate career, the former Trojans RB took a major leap in the 2005 season. 

In his junior season, Bush took the country by storm, rumbling his way to 1,740 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns for USC. He averaged an impressive 8.7 yards per carry for Pete Carroll's squad, while also making an impact in the passing game as a receiver. 

In total, Bush finished his career in Los Angeles with 433 rushes for 3,169 yards and 25 touchdowns and 95 receptions for 1,301 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also was a dominant returner on special teams, ending his NCAA career with 67 kickoffs returned for 1,523 yards and one touchdown, and 44 punts returned for 559 yards and three touchdowns.

Rushing

Receiving

Kick/Punt Returns

Reggie Bush college highlights

Bush was as electric of a college football player as you will find. The USC star running back was must-watch entertainment each week, as he dominated the collegiate scene like few could.