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Tim Tebow 2007 Heisman Trophy Winner

For Florida Gators fans, the year 2007 holds a special place in their hearts, especially when it comes to college football memories. Why? Because that was the year when Tim Tebow won the Heisman Trophy, becoming the first underclassman in NCAA history to win the prestigious honor. Tebow’s 2007 season included many record-breaking accomplishments, and the magical moment when he was awarded the Heisman Trophy.

When Tebow arrived at the University of Florida in 2006, he was touted as one of the most promising high school football players ever. But even with those high expectations, nobody could have predicted the unprecedented success that he would achieve. In his freshman year, Tebow played a supportive role as the backup quarterback behind Chris Leak as the Gators added to their list of national championships, but he still managed to score 8 touchdowns and rush for 469 yards.

However, it was the next season that Tebow truly came into his own. He started all 13 games for the Gators and set numerous records along the way. One of his most memorable games was in Week 4, when he rushed for a whopping 166 yards against Ole Miss, breaking the University of Florida’s single-game quarterback rushing record. Tebow also set a school record for career rushing touchdowns, showcasing his dual-threat capability.

But that was just the beginning. Over the course of the season, the Gator QB would set several other records, including the SEC season rushing touchdown record with 20 and the SEC season total touchdowns (passing and rushing) record with 55. He was also the first player in NCAA history to rush and pass for at least 20 touchdowns in a season. Tebow’s passing touchdowns record further highlighted his exceptional performance. 

Tim Tebow 2007 Heisman Winner

Of course, Tebow’s most significant accomplishment that year was winning the Heisman Trophy. He became the first sophomore ever to win the award, beating out some tough competition, including Arkansas’s Darren McFadden and Hawaii’s Colt Brennan. In total, he received 462 first-place votes, a whopping 254 points ahead of McFadden. The Heisman win cemented Tebow’s legacy as one of the all-time greats in college football history.

Tebow’s 2007 Heisman March

9/1 vs Western Kentucky: Making his first collegiate start, the Gators passer throws for 3 TD’s and 300 yards. Tebow adds 38 yards rushing and a score in the Gators’ 49-3 win.
9/8 vs. Troy: In a 59-31 win, Tebow passed for 236 yards and 3 TD’s, while rushing for 93 yards and 2 TD’s.
9/15 vs. Tennessee: In a 59-20 dismantling of Tennessee, Tebow passes for 299 yards (2 TD vs. 1 INT) and also runs for 62 yards and 2 TD’s.
9/22 vs. Ole Miss: The Gators struggled against Ole Miss but Tim Tebow stole the show in the Gators’ 30-24 win. Tebow passed for 261 yards and 2 TD’s and also rushed for an amazing 166 yards and 2 scores. Tebow’s performance in the fourth quarter was crucial, making key plays that secured the victory.
9/29 vs Auburn: The Urban legend was beat for the 2nd year in a row as Urban Meyer’s Gator squad fell to Auburn 20-17. Auburn slowed Tebow down, but he still completed 20 of 27 passes for 201 yards while running for 75 more. Tebow finished with 1 passing TD and I INT. He also added a rushing TD. Heisman note: Since sophomores have never won the award, we’re grading this week a yellow. Tebow can afford few Heisman blemishes.
10/5 vs. LSU:  The Gators led LSU almost the entire game before losing late 28-24. Tim Tebow completed 12 of 26 passes for 158 yards and 2 TD’s vs. 1 INT. Against LSU’s stern defense, Tebow rushed 16 for 67 yards and 1 TD. Tebow’s performance in the third quarter included significant plays that kept the Gators in the lead. Heisman Note: Tebow continues to show great skill and poise, but as a sophomore can ill afford to have his team lose.
10/20  vs. Kentucky: Tebow threw for a career-high four TD’s as No. 14 Florida defeated the Wildcats 45-37. Tebow completed 18 of 26 passes for 256 yards and added 78 yards on the ground. Tebow has now scored a rushing TD eight games in a row.
10/27 vs. Georgia: A bruised Tim Tebow was unable to guide Florida past Georgia as the Bulldogs pulled off the 42 to 30 upset. Although he scored 2 rushing TD’s, Tebow was not his usual running force as he actually netted (-15) yards rushing. He completed 14 of 22 passes for 236 yards and 1 TD vs. 0 INT’s. Note: A 3rd loss is a huge blow to Tebow’s Heisman hopes.
11/3 vs. Vanderbilt: Tebow and the No. 20 Gators got back on track with a 49-22 win. Tebow completed 22 of 27 passes for 281 yards and 3 TD’s. Injured shoulders have limited his running, but the Gator QB still managed 35 yards and 2 TD’s via the ground.
11/10 vs. South Carolina: Another amazing and record setting performance for Tebow as the Gators win in Columbia 51-31. Tebow rushes for a record 5 TD’s and also manages to throw for 304 yards, 2 TD’s and 1 INT. Tebow eclipsed the century mark with 120 yards rushing. Tebow had scored a rushing TD in 11 consecutive games.
11/17 vs. Florida Atlantic: In a 59-20 win for the 12th ranked Gators, the 2007 Heisman hopeful makes his mark on the record books again. Increasing his Heisman candidate status even more, Tebow became the first 1-A football QB to have 20+ passing and 20+ rushing TD’s in the same season. Tebow also holds the SEC record for most rushing TD’s in a season. Against Florida Atlantic, Tebow completed 25 of 34 passes for 338 yards (3TD’s/1 INT). Tebow also rushed 11 times for 31 yards and a score.
11/24 vs. Florida State:  Not to be outdone by McFadden’s performance the day before, Tebow throws 3 TD passes and runs for 2 more as the #12 gators demolish FSU 45 to 12. Tebow completed 19 of 28 passes for 262 yards and added 89 yards on 13 carries. Tebow added to his SEC single season rushing TD record that surpasses the likes of Herschel Walker, Bo Jackson and Emmitt Smith. Tebow’s 3 touchdown passes highlighted his exceptional passing achievements. His 51st and 52nd TD passes tied him with Chris Leak for the most in school history.

Tim Tebow Heisman stats through 12 regular season games
Passing: 217 of 317 for 3,132  yards (29 TD’s/6 Int.)
68.5% Completion pct.
Rushing: 194 carries 838  yards and 22 TD’s

2007 Heisman Finalist and Voting

Three quarterbacks and a running back comprised the group of 2007 Heisman finalists. Tim Tebow, who won the Heisman, set records with his passing touchdowns, achieving a streak of consecutive games with at least one passing touchdown. Joining Tebow was Arkansas’ Darren McFadden who had rushed for 1,830 yards and 16 TD’s. Tebow also excelled in rushing yards, adding to his impressive overall performance. Hawaii’s Colt Brennan joined the finalist group after passing for 4,343 yards and 38 TD’s vs 17 Int’s. Missouri’s Chase Daniel rounded out the group after passing for 4,306 yards and 33 scores vs 11 Int’s.

FinalistSchoolClassPositionTotal1st Place Votes
TebowFloridaSOQB1957462
McFaddenArkansasJRRB1703291
BrennanHawaiiSRQB63254
DanielMissouriJRQB42525

Tim Tebow’s Recruitment

As a standout QB at Ponte Verda Beach, Florida’s Nease High School, Tim Tebow displayed the same versatility that he’s displayed for the Florida Gators. In 34 career games at Nease he accounted for 159 touchdowns, including 63 on the run. Tebow was named Florida’s Mr. Football and a Parade All-American. He was also recognized by sporting news for his remarkable achievements during his high school career.

The expected impact that Tim Tebow would have wearing their school’s jersey had suitors from across the country seeking his services. While Alabama and Florida were the leading candidates, USC made a huge push when Southern Cal coach Pete Carroll and several offensive coaches flew across the country to visit Tebow just four days after the quarterback was on USC’s campus. Florida coach Urban Meyer had NFL QB Alex Smith (one of his former QB’s when Meyer coached Utah) on the night before the NFL Draft. LSU and Michigan were also in Tebow’s finalist group.


Besides Tebow’s physical skills that helped lead Nease to a 4-A state championship in 2005, recruiters were attracted to many intangibles. Leadership and character were key attractions that Tebow also possessed. Obviously in the end, Tebow opted to wear a Florida Gator jersey. It certainly didn’t hurt that both of Tebow’s parents were Florida graduates and that in-state school Florida was running the spread offense under the direction of Urban Meyer.

Tebow’s NFL Career

After his illustrious college career, Tebow was selected by the Denver Broncos with the 25th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft where he became the starting quarterback in 2011. During his time with the Broncos, he led the team to their first division title and playoff victory in years, making a significant cultural impact.

Tim Tebow Foundation

After Football – The Tim Tebow Foundation is Completing Life-Saving Missions

The Tim Tebow Foundation, established in 2010, is driven by a powerful mission to bring Faith, Hope, and Love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need. The foundation has made significant strides in serving individuals who are hurting, marginalized, and trapped in darkness, spanning 86 countries and counting. In addition to addressing critical physical needs, the Foundation also shares the Gospel with vulnerable populations to help them recognize their inherent value as children of God.

The foundation’s initiatives are concentrated in four main areas: Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation, Orphan Care + Prevention, Profound Medical Needs, and Special Needs Ministry. These programs are designed to fight for the world’s most vulnerable people and make a lasting impact on their lives. Through anti-human trafficking efforts, the foundation works tirelessly to rescue and rehabilitate victims. Orphan care and prevention programs provide essential support and resources to children in need, while medical initiatives offer profound care for those with critical health challenges. Additionally, the Special Needs Ministry focuses on celebrating and empowering individuals with special needs, ensuring they are valued and included.

The impact of the foundation is both profound and far-reaching. Countless lives have been saved, and hope has been restored to many through their dedicated efforts. For example, their anti-human trafficking programs have rescued numerous individuals from exploitation, providing them with a chance at a new life. Orphan care initiatives have given children across the globe a sense of security and belonging. Through their medical and special needs programs, the foundation ensures that those facing significant health challenges or disabilities receive the care and support they need. Overall, the Tim Tebow Foundation continues to make a meaningful difference, bringing light to the darkest corners of the world.

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