American · Spring Valley, California · Born 2 March 1985American college football running back who starred at USC, winning the 2005 Heisman Trophy and helping lead the Trojans to a national championship.
Born March 2, 1985, in Spring Valley, California, Reginald Alfred Bush Jr. emerged from San Diego-area youth football to become one of the most recruited high school players in the nation. At Helix High School, he established himself as a multi-purpose threat, excelling as a running back, return specialist, and receiver while earning national recognition. Bush enrolled at the University of Southern California in 2003, where he revolutionized the running back position under head coach Pete Carroll. Playing alongside quarterback Matt Leinart in USC's high-powered offense, Bush combined traditional rushing ability with exceptional pass-catching skills and game-breaking speed. His signature performances included dominant displays against Fresno State and UCLA, where his stop-and-go moves and explosive acceleration created highlight-reel plays that redefined expectations for the position. During USC's 2004 national championship season, Bush served as a key contributor to an offense that averaged over 38 points per game. Bush's junior season in 2005 represented the pinnacle of his college career. He won the Heisman Trophy, becoming the first USC player since Marcus Allen to claim the award. He earned consensus All-American honors and received the Doak Walker Award as the nation's top running back. Across his three-season USC career, Bush accumulated over 3,100 rushing yards and 37 touchdowns while adding significant contributions as a receiver and return specialist. The NCAA later determined that Bush and his family received improper benefits from sports agents during his USC tenure. These violations resulted in USC forfeiting wins from the 2004 season and Bush voluntarily returning his Heisman Trophy in 2010. However, the Heisman Trophy Trust restored his award in April 2024, acknowledging changed perspectives on student-athlete compensation. Selected second overall by the New Orleans Saints in the 2006 NFL Draft, Bush's college legacy endures as a transformative figure who expanded the modern conception of running back versatility and athleticism.
Winning the 2005 Heisman Trophy as USC's dynamic running back
How They Played
Explosive, versatile running back with exceptional speed, agility, and ability to make plays in space as both a runner and receiver
Lasting Impact
One of the most electrifying college football players ever, known for his game-changing ability and controversial NCAA violations that led to USC sanctions
Career Honours
- Heisman Trophy (2005, vacated/restored 2024)
- National Championship (2004)
- Consensus All-American
- Doak Walker Award
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| USC Trojans | 2003–2005 | — |
American Athletes