A Comprehensive List and History of Auburn Tigers Heisman Trophy Winners

The Auburn Tigers have long been a formidable force in college football. Nestled in the heart of Alabama, the university boasts a proud tradition of producing elite athletes who have left their mark on the gridiron. Among the highest honors any collegiate player can achieve is the Heisman Trophy — awarded annually to the most outstanding player in college football. Auburn has had its share of legendary figures throughout its storied history, and three of them have risen to the pinnacle of individual success: Pat Sullivan (1971), Bo Jackson (1985), and Cam Newton (2010).

This article explores the legacies of Auburn’s Heisman winners, the circumstances of their award-winning seasons, and the impact they left on both Auburn and the wider college football landscape.

In 1971, quarterback Pat Sullivan made history as Auburn University’s first Heisman Trophy winner. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Sullivan was a local hero even before his Heisman campaign. Under head coach Ralph “Shug” Jordan, Sullivan blossomed into one of the most effective and intelligent passers of his era.

During his three-year varsity career from 1969 to 1971, Sullivan compiled more than 6,500 passing yards and 53 touchdown passes — astronomical numbers in that era. He was known for his precision passing, poise under pressure, and the electric chemistry he had with wide receiver Terry Beasley, who became a two-time All-American thanks in part to Sullivan’s arm.

In his Heisman-winning campaign, Sullivan threw for 2,012 yards and 20 touchdowns, leading Auburn to a 9-2 record and a berth in the Sugar Bowl. At the time, Sullivan’s style of play was considered revolutionary — a cerebral quarterback who could dissect defenses with pinpoint accuracy, all while maintaining humility and class.

He edged out Cornell’s Ed Marinaro in the Heisman voting, becoming the first player from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) to win the award since LSU’s Billy Cannon in 1959.

After a short NFL career with the Atlanta Falcons and Washington Redskins, Sullivan turned to coaching, eventually returning to Auburn as quarterbacks coach in the 1980s. Later, he became the head coach at TCU and Samford, mentoring countless young players.

Sullivan’s Heisman legacy lives on not only in Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium, where his name is etched into history, but in the Heisman Trust’s remembrance of pioneers who helped grow the award’s prestige. He passed away in 2019 after a long battle with cancer, remembered fondly as Auburn’s first football superstar and a gentleman of the sport.

Few athletes in history have captured the American imagination like Vincent “Bo” Jackson. Widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time, Jackson was a transcendent figure whose talent extended well beyond football. Born in Bessemer, Alabama, Jackson committed to Auburn in 1982 and quickly became a dominant force in college football.

He was a rare combination of size, speed, and strength, often breaking tackles with ease and outrunning defenders in the same play. His physical gifts made him a human highlight reel and a fan favorite across the nation.

Jackson’s 1985 Heisman campaign was a season for the ages. Despite missing parts of two games due to injury, he rushed for 1,786 yards and 17 touchdowns on 278 carries, averaging an incredible 6.4 yards per attempt. Auburn finished with an 8-4 record that year, and while team success wasn’t as prominent as in other Heisman-winning campaigns, Jackson’s individual brilliance was undeniable.

In a tight race, Jackson edged out Iowa quarterback Chuck Long by a narrow margin — one of the closest votes in Heisman history. The moment he hoisted the trophy was not just a victory for Auburn, but a celebration of athleticism that transcended sport.

After college, Jackson was drafted first overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 1986 NFL Draft, but opted to play baseball with the Kansas City Royals after a contract dispute. He later joined the NFL’s Los Angeles Raiders and became the only athlete to be named an All-Star in both Major League Baseball and the NFL.

Jackson’s legend was further popularized by the “Bo Knows” Nike ad campaign, which highlighted his superhuman versatility. Despite a devastating hip injury that cut his football career short, Jackson’s legacy as a Heisman winner is unparalleled — a cultural icon who put Auburn on the map in a national and global sense.

The most recent Auburn Tiger to capture the Heisman Trophy was Cam Newton in 2010 — arguably the most dominant single-season performance by a college quarterback in the modern era. Newton’s journey to Auburn was far from linear: originally a Florida Gator, he transferred to Blinn College (a junior college) before arriving on The Plains for what would become one of the most unforgettable seasons in NCAA history.

Standing at 6-foot-6 and 250 pounds, Newton was a true dual-threat quarterback who could bulldoze defenders and fire laser-like passes downfield with equal ease. His play earned him the nickname “Superman” — and he lived up to it.

Newton passed for 2,854 yards and 30 touchdowns while rushing for 1,473 yards and 20 touchdowns. He became just the third player in FBS history to pass for over 2,000 yards and rush for over 1,000 yards in a single season. More importantly, he led Auburn to a perfect 14-0 season and the program’s second national championship, defeating Oregon in the BCS title game.

Newton’s performance was electric week after week. Whether it was his four-touchdown game against LSU, a comeback win over Alabama in the Iron Bowl, or the SEC Championship Game rout of South Carolina (where he scored six total touchdowns), Newton delivered on every stage.

Newton’s Heisman season did not come without controversy. Questions about recruitment and eligibility swirled throughout the season, as reports surfaced regarding a pay-for-play scheme involving his father. However, the NCAA found no evidence that Newton himself had any knowledge or involvement, allowing him to continue playing.

In the face of immense scrutiny, Newton maintained focus and humility, becoming the face of college football and one of its most polarizing yet respected figures.

Cam Newton was selected No. 1 overall in the 2011 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers and went on to win NFL MVP in 2015 while leading the Panthers to a Super Bowl appearance. His Auburn legacy is cemented not just by the Heisman, but by delivering a national title and reestablishing Auburn as a football powerhouse.

While only three Auburn Tigers have won the Heisman Trophy, several others came close and are worthy of recognition.

• Terry Beasley (WR, 1971) – Sullivan’s favorite target, he finished eighth in the voting and remains one of the greatest receivers in SEC history.
• Rudi Johnson (RB, 2000) – Had a phenomenal year after transferring from junior college, finishing 10th in Heisman voting.
• Carnell “Cadillac” Williams & Ronnie Brown (RBs, early 2000s) – Both were dynamic and helped Auburn to an undefeated season in 2004, though quarterback Jason Campbell also received consideration that year.
• Nick Fairley (DT, 2010) – Though defensive players rarely receive Heisman votes, Fairley’s dominance helped Auburn’s defense complement Newton’s offense in 2010.
• Tre Mason (RB, 2013) – Rushed for over 1,800 yards and 23 touchdowns, finishing sixth in the voting after leading Auburn to the national title game.

Despite competing in the same state as the University of Alabama — a school with a more extensive list of Heisman winners in recent years — Auburn’s trio of Heisman heroes remains iconic. The Tigers’ winners embody three different eras, styles, and types of athletic dominance:

• Sullivan: The cerebral signal-caller of a bygone era.
• Jackson: The mythic, larger-than-life athlete.
• Newton: The modern superstar with elite versatility and charisma.

Each winner not only achieved personal glory but elevated Auburn football’s national prestige. They also inspired future generations of players and fans, helping Auburn carve out its legacy in one of the sport’s most competitive conferences.

The Heisman Trophy is more than just an award — it’s a symbol of college football greatness. For Auburn, the accomplishments of Pat Sullivan, Bo Jackson, and Cam Newton are foundational to the program’s identity. Their triumphs represent different moments in time when the eyes of the nation were fixed on Jordan-Hare Stadium and the Tigers roared the loudest.

As Auburn continues to build its football program into the future, the legacy of its Heisman winners serves as both a benchmark and a beacon. Whether another Tiger will one day join this elite fraternity remains to be seen, but their stories — stories of excellence, perseverance, and unforgettable impact — will forever remain etched in the annals of Auburn football lore.