Reggie Bush will be reunited with his Heisman Trophy nearly 14 years after he gave up the coveted prize, ESPN reported Wednesday.
The former USC running back, who won college football’s most prestigious award in 2005, returned the award in 2010 following sanctions against the university, with a lengthy probe determining he received illegal benefits as a student-athlete.
The ever-changing landscape in college athletics contributed to the Heisman Trust’s decision-making.
“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,” Michael Comerford, the president of The Heisman Trophy Trust, said. “We are so happy to welcome him back.”
The move comes roughly three years after the NCAA permitted student-athletes to profit off their name, image and likeness (NIL).
“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 Trust said.
Bush, now 39, said Wednesday he is “honored to return to the Heisman family.”
“This reinstatement is not only a personal victory, but also a validation of the tireless efforts of my supporters and advocates who have stood by me throughout this arduous journey,” he said in a statement.
In addition to Bush reuniting with his Heisman Trophy — which he won for his 2,218 yards and 18 touchdown during the 2005 season — USC will also receive a replica.
Bush garnered 784 first-place votes en route to his win, the fifth-most in Heisman history.
In a 2021 interview with The Post’s Steve Serby, Bush — who will be invited to Heisman Trophy ceremonies starting this year — believed there would be a reunion one day.
“Without a doubt,” Bush said. “Without a doubt.”
The Trojans also received a two-year postseason ban and lost 30 scholarships due to the scandal involving Bush, forcing the program to disassociate itself from him for a decade.
USC also had to vacate 14 wins — including a 55-19 victory over Oklahoma in the Bowl Championship Series title game after the 2004 season.
The star rusher is also expected to have his No. 5 jersey returned to its place among USC’s Heritage Hall, where it will join the school’s other seven Heisman trophies., including that of 2022 winner Caleb Williams.
“This is a momentous day for Reggie Bush and the entire USC community as we celebrate the rightful return of his Heisman Trophy,” USC athletic director Jen Cohen said. “Reggie’s impact at USC and on college football as a whole is truly unmatched. He has displayed the utmost resiliency and heart throughout this process and is so deserving of every accolade and trophy he’s ever received. We are grateful to the Heisman Trophy Trust for making this happen.”
Bush’s win was celebrated by other Heisman winners, including Johnny Manziel, who won the award in 2012 for his performance at Texas A&M.
“Thank you to the @HeismanTrophy for doing what’s right and welcoming a storied member of our history back into the fold,” he wrote on X. “There were many voices throughout this process that stood on the table for Reggie simply because of the kind of human being he is. I look forward to being on that stage with you this December @ReggieBush you deserve it.”