Heisman Snubs: Top 5 Players Who Never Clinched It
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
1. Peyton Manning - University of Tennessee (1997)
How can you go against Peyton? He had an outstanding senior year, leading the Volunteers to an SEC Championship. Manning threw for 3,819 yards and 36 touchdowns as the SEC's Player of the Year. Despite his impressive stats and leadership, Manning finished second in the Heisman voting to Charles Woodson of Michigan, a primarily defensive player. This outcome sparked much debate, as it was uncommon for a player like Woodson, who wasn't a quarterback or running back, to win the award. In fact, the star of the Wolverines' secondary was and still is the only primarily defensive player to win the prestigious award. Manning went on to become the top pick in the '98 NFL Draft, won Super Bowls, threw at kids on an SNL sketch, and created a hilarious brand with his brother Eli.
5. Tommie Frazier - University of Nebraska (1995)
Down goes Frazier! Down goes Frazier! Ohio State running back Eddie George landed this knockout blow to Frazier's Heisman hopes. George had an excellent season for the Buckeyes and a much better pro career, but the Cornhuskers' QB captured back-to-back national titles, largely thanks to him. After a blood clot cut his '94 season short following the opening four games, all wins, he was back the next season and led Nebraska to an undefeated season. Displaying his dual-threat capabilities as both a passer and a runner, Frazier was the best player on the field in every game in 1995. The dual-threat pivot went undrafted in the NFL, mainly because of his health issues, but did spend some time in the Canadian Football League.
4. Randy Moss - Marshall University (1997)
Randy Moss could feel Peyton's pain in '97. More about Manning in a few slides. At Marshall University, the future Hall of Famer delivered a season for the ages. Moss caught an astounding 26 touchdown passes, breaking several records in the process. His dynamic playmaking ability and game-changing speed made him a nightmare for defenses. Despite these heroics, Moss finished fourth in the Heisman voting behind Charles Woodson, Manning, and Ryan Leaf.
3. Jim Brown - Syracuse (1956)
In the 1956 season, Brown was nothing short of spectacular. He scored 43 points in a single game against Colgate, setting a record that stood for decades. The man ran for 196 yards, scored six touchdowns, and kicked seven extra points. Yes, he kicked his own XPs! Over the season, he demonstrated remarkable versatility, contributing significantly as a runner and a kicker, averaging 6.2 yards per carry and scoring 14 touchdowns. Despite putting up god-mode numbers, Brown finished fifth in the Heisman voting. The award went to Notre Dame halfback Paul Hornung, a decision widely criticized over the years. Hornung's Fighting Irish had a losing record that season, which made the decision even more baffling. Brown became one of the best pro football players ever, a civil rights champion, and a long-time Hollywood heavyweight.
2. Adrian Peterson - University of Oklahoma (2004)
The freshman farce of '04. Adrian Peterson's age beat him worse than USC quarterback Matt Leinart. The Sooners stud had a season that is still talked about today. Rushing for 1,925 yards, the most ever by a first-year back at the time. Peterson was a force of nature on the field. His combination of speed, power, and agility was unmatched. However, he finished second in the Heisman to the Trojans pivot. AP went on to be the seventh pick in the 1997 NFL Draft, win OROY, and get his 2,000-yard season - only it was while winning the NFL MVP, eight years after his Heisman snub.
1. Peyton Manning - University of Tennessee (1997)
How can you go against Peyton? He had an outstanding senior year, leading the Volunteers to an SEC Championship. Manning threw for 3,819 yards and 36 touchdowns as the SEC's Player of the Year. Despite his impressive stats and leadership, Manning finished second in the Heisman voting to Charles Woodson of Michigan, a primarily defensive player. This outcome sparked much debate, as it was uncommon for a player like Woodson, who wasn't a quarterback or running back, to win the award. In fact, the star of the Wolverines' secondary was and still is the only primarily defensive player to win the prestigious award. Manning went on to become the top pick in the '98 NFL Draft, won Super Bowls, threw at kids on an SNL sketch, and created a hilarious brand with his brother Eli.
5. Tommie Frazier - University of Nebraska (1995)
Down goes Frazier! Down goes Frazier! Ohio State running back Eddie George landed this knockout blow to Frazier's Heisman hopes. George had an excellent season for the Buckeyes and a much better pro career, but the Cornhuskers' QB captured back-to-back national titles, largely thanks to him. After a blood clot cut his '94 season short following the opening four games, all wins, he was back the next season and led Nebraska to an undefeated season. Displaying his dual-threat capabilities as both a passer and a runner, Frazier was the best player on the field in every game in 1995. The dual-threat pivot went undrafted in the NFL, mainly because of his health issues, but did spend some time in the Canadian Football League.
