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Who Got Robbed? Top 10 Heisman Snubs
11 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Jim Brown's 1956 fifth-place finish remains a significant Heisman snub.
- Larry Fitzgerald faced double/triple coverage but was overlooked for Heisman.
- Defensive players like Ndamukong Suh rarely win Heisman without other roles.
The Heisman Trophy, synonymous with college football greatness, has a storied past filled with debated selections and perceived snubs. Legends like Jim Brown, despite an exceptional 1956 season, finished a distant fifth, overshadowed by Paul Hornung's weaker performance and Notre Dame's poor record.
Other notable omissions include wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, who excelled despite constant defensive attention, and defensive powerhouse Ndamukong Suh. Their cases highlight how positional bias and team success can influence voters, even when individual stats are overwhelming.
The award's criteria, emphasizing 'great ability combined with diligence, perseverance, and hard work,' often lead to subjective interpretations, sparking annual debates over who truly deserved the bronze statuette.
