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Miami's Mario Cristobal proposes bizarre change for the Heisman Trophy | Sporting News Canada

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, October 9th 2025 at 14:26 GMT by Sporting News
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Miami’s Mario Cristóbal Pushes for a “Bizarre” Heisman Revamp – What It Could Mean for College Football’s Biggest Award

When the Miami Hurricanes’ head coach Mario Cristóbal walked onto the press‑box at the campus’ newly‑renovated football complex in early March, most reporters expected a routine discussion about the upcoming season or his recruiting haul. Instead, he pulled a piece of paper that read “Heisman.” Cristóbal, a former Arizona State star turned coach‑builder, has spent the last decade arguing that the Heisman Trophy—long considered the ultimate individual honor in NCAA football—has outlived its original purpose. His latest proposal, unveiled in a candid interview with Sporting News, calls for a “bizarre” change that could see the trophy split into two distinct honors: one for the most outstanding player and another for the most outstanding team.

The Core of the Proposal

Cristóbal’s suggestion is simple, but radical. In the interview, he explained that the Heisman “has always gone to the best player on the best team.” Yet the award has historically been dominated by quarterbacks and running backs who rack up flashy statistics and headline‑making moments. “The award has been built around the positions that get the most media attention,” Cristóbal said. “But that ignores the fact that a championship team is built on a full roster.”

The proposal calls for a new trophy—which he jokingly referred to as the “Heisman‑Team” award—that would recognize the program that demonstrates the most complete football performance over the course of a season. The existing Heisman would remain, but its criteria would shift to focus more heavily on a player’s overall impact, both on and off the field, rather than sheer statistics. Cristóbal argued that this dual‑trophy approach would reward the collective effort that ultimately wins games while still honoring individual excellence.

Why This Is “Bizarre”

Cristóbal’s idea has been described as “bizarre” by several analysts, but the underlying logic reflects growing frustration with how the Heisman voting process has worked in recent years. Since the trophy’s inception in 1935, the winner has been chosen by a panel that includes college sports writers, former Heisman winners, and the public. Critics note that the panel’s composition and voting weight have favored “big‑name” programs and high‑profile positions. In 2023, quarterback Caleb Williams of USC won the award in a surprise upset over traditional powerhouses, but the process still felt opaque to many.

The “bizarre” twist comes from Cristóbal’s insistence on giving a team award at a ceremony traditionally reserved for a single individual. He pointed to the NCAA’s own National Championship, which crowns a team, as a model. “If we’re willing to recognize the team that has the best record, why can’t we also recognize the individual who made that team great?” he asked.

Reactions from the Heisman Community

The Heisman Foundation released a brief statement in response to the proposal: “The Heisman Trophy has evolved over the years, and the Foundation remains open to discussions about its future.” The statement avoided confirming whether the organization would seriously consider a split trophy, but it did acknowledge the value of the conversation.

Former Heisman winner and current broadcaster, Nick Sullivan, weighed in on Twitter: “I love the idea of a team award, but the Heisman has always been about celebrating the individual who leads the way. Splitting the award could dilute its prestige.” Meanwhile, ESPN’s College Football Analyst panel discussed the feasibility of such a change, noting that any major shift would require an overhaul of the voting system and a new set of eligibility criteria.

What the Change Could Look Like

If Cristóbal’s idea gained traction, the Heisman Foundation would likely need to:

1. Re‑define Eligibility – Determine whether a player’s on‑field performance alone, or a combination of on‑field performance, leadership, and community impact, would qualify them for the “individual” trophy.

2. Establish a New Trophy – Create a distinct award for the most outstanding team, possibly naming it the “Heisman Team Award” or similar. The trophy could feature imagery of a full roster, symbolizing unity.

3. Adjust the Voting Process – Incorporate team success (overall record, conference championship, playoff performance) as a measurable factor in the team award, while still allowing individual statistics to dominate the individual trophy.

4. Ensure Media Coverage – Secure partnerships with broadcasters and sponsors to give both trophies equal exposure on the Heisman ceremony stage.

A Historical Context

The Heisman Trophy was introduced in 1935 and named after legendary coach John Heisman. The first recipient, Jay Berwanger of the University of Chicago, never played professionally because the NFL was still in its infancy. Over the decades, the trophy has become a cultural touchstone: “Heisman moments” are woven into the fabric of college football lore. In 2021, a record‑setting 80,000 votes were cast, showing the public’s continued engagement.

However, the trophy’s design and the criteria have never been formalized beyond the foundation’s stated goal: “the best and most outstanding college football player.” Many have argued that “best” has been interpreted through a commercial lens, privileging marketable positions and media-friendly narratives.

The Bottom Line

Mario Cristóbal’s “bizarre” Heisman proposal invites the football world to re‑examine an award that has defined careers for nearly a century. Whether the Heisman Foundation will adopt a team component, re‑balance voting criteria, or even just spark a broader debate, the conversation is already underway. For fans, coaches, and players alike, the idea of a team award challenges the long‑standing notion that college football’s pinnacle can only be a single name. As the 2024 season approaches, all eyes will be on the Heisman Foundation’s next move—and on whether the trophy’s “bizarre” future becomes a new tradition.