USC Revels in an Exciting Week of Triumphant Victories

But the landscape of college sports in general, and college football in particular, has changed with a seismic shift, with players now being able to earn money while playing football based on their name, image, and likeness (NIL). As such, the Heisman Trust decided to change its thought process and align it with the current rulings.

In a shocking turn of events, the Trust returned the most prestigious award in college sports into the hands of arguably the most electrifying player ever to tote the rock in the last 20 years. In addition, USC now holds the distinction as the school with the most Heisman Trophy winners with eight players to hoist the hardware.

Bush rejoins a fraternity of those that have hoisted the legendary hardware which includes:

1965- Mike Garrett 

1968- O.J "Juice" Simpson 

1979- Charles White 

1981- Marcus Allen 

2002- Carson Palmer 

2004- Matt Leinart 

2005- Reggie Bush 

2022- Caleb Williams 

In addition, Bush continued his assault on the NCAA by bringing a defamation suit against them for “maliciously attacking his character, according to Bush’s lawyer. In 2021, the NCAA had issued the following statement:

--- NCAA statement- issued on July 28, 2021, in response to an inquiry about the possibility of Bush having his records and participation restored in light of changes to name, image and likeness rules.

Bush argued that he did not engage in pay-for-play while playing for the Trojans and has appealed and all sanctions handed down. Bush is seeking to have his records and achievements restored from his playing days at USC. In addition, Bush is seeking damages, both punitive and compensatory.

Will USC now take on the NCAA to have their vacated wins returned to their legendary scrolls of conquests? Only time will tell. But for now, Reggie Bush can return to the home of his greatest athletic feats, a conquering hero.

#1 on Day One of the NFL Draft

On NFL Draft Day, the Trojans also took over the top spot as the school with the most #1 overall draft picks as the Chicago Bears selected QB Caleb Williams #1 overall in this year’s draft. Williams now joins O.J. Simpson, Ron Yary, Ricky Bell, Keyshawn Johnson, and Carson Palmer as the Men of Troy who were selected #1 overall pick in the NFL Draft.

Further for USC

In addition, with Williams’ selection, USC is also on record for having the most draft picks of any school in college football in the common draft era (since 1967).

It is also notable that USC head coach Lincoln Riley is the only coach in college football history to have three of his quarterbacks selected #1 overall: Williams, Baker Mayfield, and Kyler Murray.

Yes, a triumphant week for the Trojans, indeed.