The Heisman Trophy is an annual award presented to student-athletes in NCAA Division I college football. It was originally established by the Downtown Athletic Club (DAC) in New York City in 1935. It is awarded to those college football players whose performance is accompanied by integrity, diligence, and sportsmanship. This trophy is named after the legendary player and coach John W. Heisman and the winner is voted for by fans, sports journalists, and past winners. This trophy is awarded by the Heisman Trust, and the winners are usually picked in the first round of the NFL draft.
The quarterback position has always been the one to dominate the Heisman Trophy, with 39 winners, as of August 2025, followed by the running backs position, with 26 wins, mostly from earlier eras when the position was more central to the offensive schemes. Though it's far less common, the defensive players who play at the wide receiver position have also earned the award, with Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith being the most recent non-quarterback winner in 2020.
2025 Heisman Trophy Date
The 2025 Heisman Trophy award will be given on Dec. 13, 2025.
Where is the Heisman Trophy awarded?
The Heisman Trophy ceremony is hosted in New York City every year in December. The venue of the 2025 award has not been announced yet, but it is most likely to be held in Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City.
Where to watch the Heisman trophy?
The collegiate football fans can stream the ceremony via the ESPN app, WatchESPN, or ESPN+. The 2025 ceremony is scheduled for Dec. 13.
Where to watch the Heisman Trophy presentation?
The Heisman Trophy presentation will be televised on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET on December 13, 2025.
READ MORE: Heisman Trophy Design and Milestones
FAQs on Heisman Trophy
A. The Heisman Trophy honors the most outstanding player in college football annually.
A. Heisman Trophy is voted by Sports journalists, former winners, and fans.
A. The Heisman Trophy is awarded in December at the end of the college football season.
A. The Heisman Trophy represents excellence in football, sportsmanship, and integrity.
