Clemson’s football program ranks as one of the top college football program’s still seeking its first Heisman trophy. A fact that doesn’t seem fair, considering that John Heisman himself coached the University’s football program for four seasons (1900-1903). Clemson’s first Heisman noise was generated by QB Steve Fuller when he finished sixth in 1978. All-purpose back C.J. Spiller generated Heisman attention in 2009 with a sixth place finish.
But it wasn’t until Deshaun Watson guided Clemson to championship levels did Tiger players enter serious Heisman conversation. Watson earned a third place finish in 2015 and followed with a second place finish in 2016. Watson’s runner-up campaign coincided with Clemson’s 2016 National Championship season that concluded with a win over Alabama.
Heading into the 2019 season, Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence is a top Heisman Trophy candidate following his tremendous freshman season. Lawrence established himself as a 2019 front-runner by his epic performance in the Tigers 44-16 beat-down of Alabama.