The Alabama Crimson Tide Football program has a storied history in college football, with numerous national championships, legendary coaches, and a tradition of excellence that few programs can match.
Among the many accolades that Alabama players have earned, the Heisman Trophy stands out as one of the most prestigious. The award, given annually to the most outstanding player in college football, has been bestowed upon several Alabama athletes who have left an indelible mark on the game.
Let’s take a look at the Crimson Tide’s Heisman Trophy winners and their impact on the legacy of Alabama football.
Mark Ingram II, RB (2009)
Mark Ingram II made history as the first Alabama player to win the Heisman Trophy. Ingram’s 2009 season was nothing short of spectacular. The sophomore running back led the Crimson Tide to an undefeated season and a national championship, finishing the year with 1,658 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. His versatility and ability to make big plays in crucial moments set him apart from his peers.
Ingram’s Heisman campaign was defined by his performance against top competition. His 246-yard game against South Carolina and his 113-yard, three-touchdown performance in the SEC Championship Game against Florida solidified his place as the frontrunner for the award. In a close vote, Ingram edged out Stanford’s Toby Gerhart to take home the trophy. His win was a historic moment for the Alabama program, breaking the drought and setting the stage for future stars.
Derrick Henry, RB (2015)
Six years after Ingram’s victory, Derrick Henry brought the Heisman Trophy back to Tuscaloosa. Henry’s 2015 season was one of the most dominant in college football history. The bruising running back shattered records and carried the Crimson Tide to another national title. Henry rushed for an astounding 2,219 yards and 28 touchdowns, breaking Herschel Walker’s SEC single-season rushing record.
Henry’s power and stamina were on full display throughout the season. He set an SEC record with 10 consecutive games of 100 or more rushing yards and was particularly dominant in the latter part of the season.
50 Days till Alabama Football 🐘🔥
Derrick Henry with a 50-Yard Touchdown vs Clemson in the 2015 National Championship to show why he won the Heisman Trophy 🏆🔥 pic.twitter.com/6G7UoMMQEH
— Alabama DieHards (@DiehardsAlabama) July 14, 2023
In the Iron Bowl against Auburn, he carried the ball 46 times for 271 yards. His performance in the SEC Championship Game, where he rushed for 189 yards and a touchdown, further cemented his Heisman credentials.
Henry won the Heisman in a landslide, becoming the second Alabama player to receive the honor. His victory was a testament to his relentless work ethic and the dominance of Alabama’s ground game under head coach Nick Saban.
DeVonta Smith, WR (2020)
In 2020, DeVonta Smith became the first wide receiver to win the Heisman Trophy since 1991 and only the fourth in the award’s history. Smith’s season was nothing short of remarkable, showcasing his exceptional talent and the explosive nature of Alabama’s offense. He finished the season with 117 receptions, 1,856 yards, and 23 touchdowns, leading the nation in all three categories.
Smith’s ability to make game-changing plays was evident week after week. His performance in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game against Ohio State, where he recorded 12 receptions for 215 yards and three touchdowns in the first half alone, was the perfect capstone to his Heisman campaign. Despite being a wide receiver, Smith’s impact on the game was so profound that he won the Heisman in a landslide, further solidifying Alabama’s place at the pinnacle of college football.
Bryce Young, QB (2021)
Bryce Young continued Alabama’s recent Heisman success by capturing the trophy in 2021, becoming the first quarterback in school history to win the award. Young’s poise, accuracy, and ability to lead the offense under pressure were key factors in his Heisman-winning season. He threw for 4,872 yards and 47 touchdowns, breaking several school records along the way.
97 days until Alabama Football returns
Relive Bryce Young’s “Heisman Moment” vs Auburn in 2021
Has there ever been a more dominant Quarterback in the Iron Bowl rivalry? pic.twitter.com/V0oKLB128H
— Nick Perkins (@NickyPerkss) May 26, 2024
Young’s signature moment came in the Iron Bowl against Auburn. Trailing by 10 points with under two minutes remaining, Young orchestrated a game-tying drive that sent the game into overtime, where Alabama eventually secured the win. His performance in the SEC Championship Game against Georgia, where he threw for 421 yards and three touchdowns, solidified his status as the best player in college football for the 2021 season.