For over a century, the Heisman Trophy has celebrated the pinnacle of college football talent. However, Alabama—home to some of the most electric players in recent history—has seen its share of Heisman snubs. Despite their standout seasons and undeniable impact, some Crimson Tide players were edged out in the final vote. Here’s a look at four Alabama stars who arguably should have walked away with college football’s most prestigious award but were left to wonder what could have been.
1. Tua Tagovailoa (2018)
Few players in college football have put on a show like Tua Tagovailoa did in 2018. The lefty quarterback from Hawaii had Crimson Tide fans on the edge of their seats all season, racking up 3,966 passing yards, 43 touchdowns, and only six interceptions. His accuracy, poise, and decision-making led Alabama to an undefeated regular season. However, Tagovailoa fell short of the Heisman after a slightly off performance in the SEC Championship Game, while Oklahoma’s Kyler Murray surged in the final stretch. Critics still argue that Tua’s body of work over the entire season was more impressive than Murray’s, with many considering this one of the most debatable Heisman decisions in recent years.
2. Amari Cooper (2014)
Wide receivers rarely get the Heisman nod, but if anyone was deserving, it was Amari Cooper. During the 2014 season, Cooper was simply unstoppable, recording 124 receptions for 1,727 yards and 16 touchdowns. His ability to outrun, outmaneuver, and outmuscle defenders made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He also carried Alabama’s passing game, with no other receiver even close to his production. Unfortunately, the Heisman voting went to Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota, despite Cooper’s impact on the Tide’s success. Cooper finished third, but many believe his historic season should have warranted more serious Heisman consideration, especially given how he transformed Alabama’s offense.
3. Derrick Henry (2015) – Overlooked Early in the Season
Although Derrick Henry ultimately won the Heisman, his journey highlights how Alabama players can be easily overlooked despite their impact. Henry’s 2015 campaign included a jaw-dropping 2,219 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns, but he wasn’t initially considered the frontrunner for the award. Throughout much of the season, LSU’s Leonard Fournette and Stanford’s Christian McCaffrey seemed to capture more of the media’s attention. It took an incredible final stretch by Henry, including a record-breaking SEC performance, to secure the trophy. Henry’s Heisman journey serves as a reminder that Alabama players often have to outperform and outshine at every turn to gain recognition.
4. Mac Jones (2020)
The 2020 Alabama offense was stacked with talent, and quarterback Mac Jones was at the heart of it. Jones led one of the most prolific offenses in college football history, finishing the season with 4,500 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, and only four interceptions. His pinpoint accuracy and deep-ball precision made Alabama virtually unstoppable. But despite his numbers, Jones was overshadowed by his own teammate, wide receiver DeVonta Smith, who won the Heisman. While Smith’s win was well-deserved, many fans felt that Jones was overlooked in the Heisman voting due to Alabama’s embarrassment of riches on offense. In almost any other season, Jones would have been the clear frontrunner, but he found himself overshadowed by the remarkable performance of his teammate.
The Alabama Legacy and the Heisman Trophy
These cases highlight a recurring theme for Alabama players: despite being key to the team’s dominance, they often find themselves overlooked for individual accolades due to the team’s collective success. Each of these players left an undeniable mark on college football, and their seasons will be remembered as some of the greatest in Crimson Tide history. Though they may not have walked away with the Heisman, Alabama fans and college football enthusiasts alike recognize the tremendous impact they made.
As college football continues to evolve, perhaps Heisman voters will start to look beyond stats and team depth, focusing instead on each player’s individual contributions. Until then, Alabama fans can continue to celebrate these “robbed” Heisman contenders as legends in their own right, knowing their place in Crimson Tide history is secure—trophy or not.
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