USC Football: Lincoln Riley's Reaction to Reggie Bush Heisman News

Reggie Bush's Heisman Trophy reinstated after a decade, USC celebrates. Program now has 8 Heisman winners, most in NCAA history.

Former USC running back Reggie Bush, a legendary figure in college football, was finally granted the reinstatement of his Heisman Trophy on Wednesday. This comes after Bush voluntarily returned the prestigious award in 2010 due to an NCAA investigation that revealed he had received improper benefits. However, with the recent changes by the NCAA allowing players to benefit from their name, image, and likeness, Bush fought for the return of his Heisman.

The current head coach of the USC Trojans, Lincoln Riley, expressed his excitement over the reinstatement of Bush's Heisman Trophy, referring to it as a "special moment" for the program. Riley highlighted the significance of Reggie's reintroduction to the Heisman Family, emphasizing his athletic accomplishments and contributions to USC football. With this reinstatement, USC now boasts a total of eight Heisman Trophy winners, the most in NCAA history, solidifying the legacy of the football program.

In a statement shared by USC Communications, Coach Riley praised Bush's impact on the game and expressed gratitude for the decision to bring him back into the Heisman Family. He acknowledged the unique nature of the Heisman award and the exceptional talent that Reggie Bush possessed, underscoring the significance of their reunion.

Reggie Bush's Heisman-winning season in 2005 remains one of the most outstanding in college football history, with impressive stats including 1,740 rushing yards, 2,890 all-purpose yards, and 19 total touchdowns. Despite this success, the Trojans were stripped of their 2004 BCS Title and 14 wins earned during Bush's tenure, which have yet to be reinstated. However, there is hope that these accolades will be restored in the future, further solidifying USC's place in college football history.