History would tell you otherwise. There has only been one defensive player to ever win the Heisman Trophy. Since that defensive player won in 1997 (more on him in a minute), it has been a collection of 19 quarterbacks, five running backs, and one wide receiver. An award that has been more catered to quarterbacks, 2021 Heisman winner Alabama’s Bryce Young (+400) or Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud (+200) would be the safest bets going into the season. If you want to go outside of the quarterback realm, here are some other names you’ll see on the Heisman odds: Texas running back Bijan Robinson (+4000), Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson (+4000), Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs (+4200), and Ohio State wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (+5000).
Only Defensive Player To Win The Heisman:
Charles Woodson is the lone defensive player to win the Heisman Trophy back in his junior year in 1997 at Michigan. Michigan finished with a 12-0 record capping off the season with a 21-16 win over Washington State in the Rose Bowl. Woodson playing as a defensive back, had seven interceptions that season. He also featured as a part time punt returner by returning 33 punts for 283 and a touchdown. Lastly, Woodson caught 11 passes in 11 games for 231 and two touchdowns while also taking three rushing attempts for 15 yards and a touchdown. The Michigan standout was able to etch out Tennessee’s Peyton Manning for the Heisman Trophy. A full list of the 1997 Heisman voting can be found here.
Watch a compilation of Woodsons highlights from his time at Michigan below:
The Case For Will Anderson:
Alabama outside linebacker Will Anderson just might be the guy to find his name on the trophy this season. Finishing fifth in voting last season, Anderson had an incredibly strong case to be a finalist but fell just short. Going into the 2022 season, he has said his eyes are on the trophy as he tries to become only the second defensive player ever to win the award. Will has also stated there’s more in store as he “hasn’t reached his full potential yet”. The Athletic is projecting Anderson as the first overall pick in the 2023 draft in their early mock drafts.
Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson finished second in Heisman voting in 2021. Hutchinson was the defensive anchor for a Wolverine team that finished with a 12-2 record including a loss to Georgia in the CFP semifinal. As impactful as Hutchinson was for the Wolverines, Alabamas Will Anderson statistically had a much more dominant season. The most dominant defensive player in college football also happened to be teammates with the best college quarterback that season. A recipe that usually doesn’t end well for the guy on the other side of the ball.
Let’s compare the seasons of Anderson & Hutchinson:
Will Anderson (15 games)
- 56 solo tackles
- 45 assisted tackles
- 101 total tackles
- 3 passes defended
- 148 total tackle yards (Led NCAA)
- 31 tackles for loss (Led NCAA)
- 17.5 sacks (Led NCAA)
Aidan Hutchinson (14 games)
- 36 solo tackles
- 26 assisted tackles
- 2 forced fumbles (1 fumble recovery)
- 3 passes defended
- 16.5 tackles for loss
- 14 sacks
“The Terminator” Will Anderson was the best defensive player in college football in 2021-2022:
History Doesn’t Favor:
The odds are stacked against Anderson to finish as a finalist, let alone win the award. Since Woodson won the award in 1997, only four other defensive players have finished as Heisman finalists. Ndamukong Suh finishing fourth in 2009, Manti Te’o finishing second in 2011, Chase Young finishing fourth in 2019, and Aidan Hutchinson finishing second in 2021.
Comparing Will Andersons 2021 season to other defensive finalists:
Will Anderson could end up being his own worst enemy if he doesn’t at least have the same insane year he had last season. It’s worth taking a look at his last season compared to the four other defensive finalists since Woodson won the award in 1997:
Ndamukong Suh: 52 total tackles, 33 assists, 85 total tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, 1 interception.
Manti Te’o: 62 solo tackles, 66 assists, 128 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks
Chase Young: 32 solo tackles, 14 assists, 46 total tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 16.5 sacks, 7 forced fumbles
Aidan Hutchinson: 36 solo tackles, 26 assists, 62 total tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 14 sacks
Once again, Will Andersons 2021-2022 season: 56 solo tackles, 45 assists, 101 total tackles, 31 tackles for loss, 17.5 sacks.
Bottom Line:
If Hutchinson can finish second last season with the numbers he produced, Anderson can make a serious run at winning the award. With a repeat or even expected improvement from last season, Anderson won’t be denied as a finalist this season. College Football News has Alabama as the best defensive unit in college football and Will Anderson is the catalyst behind that. It will take a historic defensive player to break through and take home the Heisman trophy for the fist time in 25 years. Will Anderson just happens to be that special.
*Sitting at +3000, Will Anderson is tied with Oklahoma quarterback Dillion Gabriel for the fifth best odds to win the Heisman. C.J. Stroud (+200), Bryce Young (+400), Caleb Williams (+600), and DJ Uiagalelei (+2500) round out the top four. All odds via Fanduel Sportsbook
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