When Is the Heisman Announced? Everything You Need to Know
The Heisman Trophy, college football's most prestigious individual honor, is bestowed upon the nation's most outstanding player each year. The announcement of the winner is a highly anticipated event that captivates the attention of fans and media alike. So, when is the Heisman announced, and what goes into the selection process? Let's dive into the details.
The History of the Heisman Trophy
The Heisman Trophy was established in 1935 by the Downtown Athletic Club (DAC) of New York City in honor of John William Heisman, a former football player, coach, and athletic director at Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Clemson universities. The first Heisman Trophy was awarded to Jay Berwanger of the University of Chicago in 1935.
The Heisman Selection Process
The Heisman Trophy is awarded to the college football player who receives the most first-place votes from a nationwide panel of 928 electors. The electors include sportswriters, sportscasters, and former Heisman Trophy winners. The selection process begins in mid-October and culminates with the announcement of the winner in December.
When Is the Heisman Announced?
The Heisman Trophy winner is typically announced in early December, usually on the first Saturday of the month. The announcement is made during a live television broadcast that features interviews with the winner, his family, and his coaches. In 2023, the Heisman Trophy will be announced on Saturday, December 9.
Eligibility for the Heisman Trophy
To be eligible for the Heisman Trophy, a player must meet the following criteria:
- Be a college football player in the United States
- Be a junior or senior
- Have made a significant contribution to his team's success
- Have maintained a high level of academic achievement
What Goes into Heisman Voting?
The electors who vote for the Heisman Trophy consider a variety of factors when making their selections, including:
- Individual statistics (e.g., passing yards, touchdowns)
- Team success (e.g., wins, conference championships)
- Impact on the game (e.g., big plays, clutch performances)
- Character and leadership
Statistics That Matter for the Heisman Trophy
While there is no single set of statistics that guarantees a player will win the Heisman Trophy, certain numbers tend to catch the attention of the electors. For quarterbacks, passing yards, touchdowns, and completion percentage are key. For running backs, rushing yards, touchdowns, and yards per carry are important. For wide receivers, receiving yards, touchdowns, and yards per reception are crucial.
The Heisman Curse
There is a popular superstition among college football fans that the Heisman Trophy winner is destined to lose his bowl game. This so-called "Heisman Curse" has been around for decades, and while there is no scientific evidence to support it, it continues to be a topic of fascination and debate.
Is the Heisman Trophy the Best Player in College Football?
While the Heisman Trophy is widely regarded as the most prestigious individual award in college football, it is not necessarily an accurate representation of who the best player in the country is. The Heisman Trophy is subjective, and the electors who vote for it can sometimes be influenced by factors other than performance on the field.
Other Major College Football Awards
In addition to the Heisman Trophy, there are a number of other major college football awards that recognize the top players at their respective positions. These awards include the Maxwell Award (college football player of the year), the Walter Camp Award (college football player of the year), and the Outland Trophy (best interior lineman).
Conclusion
The Heisman Trophy is a prestigious award that honors the most outstanding player in college football. The announcement of the winner is a highly anticipated event that captivates the attention of fans and media alike. The selection process is a complex one that considers a variety of factors, including individual statistics, team success, and impact on the game. While the Heisman Trophy is not always a perfect measure of who the best player in the country is, it remains one of the most coveted awards in all of sports.
