When it is a matter of producing legends, the Georgia Bulldogs have dominated the world of college football for several decades. Some of the game’s most exciting players have been hosted in Athens. It went from bone-jarring ball carriers to electrifying quarterbacks.
The school hasn’t produced as many Heisman winners as other blue-blood schools. However, the Bulldogs have always fielded qualifiers who left marks on the national landscape. So, let’s travel back in time to see the names etched into Georgia football lore in the Heisman discussion.
Heisman Trophy Winner: Herschel Walker (1982)
Herschel Walker won the Heisman Trophy, and he completely dominated college football. The pride of Wrightsville, Georgia, Walker burst onto the scene in his freshman year in 1980, guiding Georgia to a national championship.
However, this year, 1982, solidified his place in history. He ran for 1,752 yards and 16 touchdowns, bulldozed over defenders like a runaway freight train, and bested Stanford’s John Elway and SMU’s Eric Dickerson for the coveted trophy.
Walker finished his career with 5,259 rushing yards and 52 touchdowns over three seasons, earning All-American honors each year. What made him so iconic wasn’t just his stats—it was his sheer dominance in an era of stacked defenses. As coach Vince Dooley once said, “Herschel was the best player I’ve ever seen in my life.” Enough said.
Frank Sinkwich (1941 – 4th, 1942 – Winner)
As the attention goes, Herschel Walker gets most, but it was Frank Sinkwich who originally got Georgia on the Heisman’s radar. This Croatian-born back from Youngstown, Ohio, was a bruiser-type back who dominated the passing attack from tailback. He earned fourth in 1941’s Heisman voting, but became even more dynamic. That year, he won the Heisman after gaining 1,456 yards via pass and 795 on the ground, scoring 26 touchdowns overall.
Georgia also registered an 11-1 record and conference championship as the Rose that season. Sinkwich remains the record holder as the first and only Georgia player to have been recognized as a Heisman winner before Walker, and the jersey (21) was retired posthumously by the team.
Charley Trippi (1946 – 2nd)
Just missing the Heisman by a sliver, Charley Trippi’s career was nothing short of phenomenal. He finished second in 1946 behind Army’s Glenn Davis, but Trippi’s performance spoke for itself. That year, he led the Bulldogs to an undefeated season and a Sugar Bowl victory. Known for his versatility, Trippi played quarterback, halfback, and punter, and even returned kicks. He later earned a spot in the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame.
His number 62 jersey was retired, and he remains one of Georgia’s all-time greatest overall athletes. Trippi once described himself as, “I just loved being on the field—any position, any time.”
Garrison Hearst (1992 – 3rd)
Garrison Hearst remembered seeing flashes of Herschel Walker with his dynamite 1992 campaign. The junior tailback gained 1,547 yards and 21 touchdowns, averaging 6.8 yards per carry. His whole perception and second-level bursting ability made him one of the most dreaded backs in the nation.
Hearst placed third in the Heisman voting behind Marshall Faulk and Gino Torretta. Not winning the award did not prevent him from being given the Doak Walker Award as the nation’s best running back or from being selected as an NFL Draft first-round choice. Hearst remains one of the greatest stars of the early ’90s SEC era.
David Greene (2002—Top 10)
While David Greene never went to New York, his steady play and school record-breaking in Georgia earned him top-10 Heisman consideration in 2002. That season, Greene threw for 2,924 yards and 22 touchdowns, leading the Bulldogs to a 13-1 record and their first SEC title since 1982.
Renowned for his pocket poise, Greene left UGA as the NCAA Division I-A all-time winningest quarterback with 42 wins. His performances paved the way for Georgia’s future quarterback pipeline and brought the Dawgs back into national title contention.
D.J. Shockley (2005—Top 10)
D.J. Shockley patiently waited through David Greene’s shadow before finally getting his turn and took full advantage. In his sole season as a starter in 2005, Shockley passed for 2,311 yards, rushed for an additional 322, and accounted for 28 total touchdowns.
His two-way threat skills put opposing defenses on alert, and he led Georgia to the SEC Championship with the win over LSU. Shockley’s Heisman campaign gained momentum during the season’s final weeks, but he suffered a midseason injury and was sidetracked. Despite this, his presence was indisputable, and his leadership is still well-received in Athens.
Todd Gurley (2014—Contender, Injured)
Todd Gurley was the preseason Heisman front-runner in 2014—before an NCAA suspension and torn ACL ended his season early. Before that, Gurley ran wild, going for 773 yards and eight touchdowns in six games. He also scored on a 100-yard kickoff return touchdown against Clemson in the season’s opening game.
KEEP READING: Penn State Nittany Lions Heisman Trophy Winners: A Complete List and History
Despite the abbreviated season, Gurley was a top-15 Heisman ballot finisher and was drafted 10th overall by the Rams. He was an All-Pro twice and the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year. Gurley’s speed, power, and vision made him one of the greatest backs out of Georgia.
Stetson Bennett (2022 – 4th)
The all-time underdog story, Stetson Bennett, would not even begin for Georgia, yet by 2022, he was a legend. During that season, Bennett threw for 4,127 yards and 27 touchdowns, leading the Bulldogs to a perfect season and their second consecutive title.
He was the first Georgia quarterback since the 1980s to be a Heisman finalist, finishing fourth in the balloting. Bennett silenced critics with showings against Tennessee, LSU, and TCU. As coach Kirby Smart said, “He’s tough as nails. He’s got a chip on his shoulder, and he always finds a way.”
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