This is the first time that a wide receiver has won the prestigious award since Desmond Howard of Michigan in 1991, and Smith becomes only the fourth wide receiver to win Heisman since its creation in 1935.
A college football season unlike any other also had an award ceremony unlike any other. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Smith accepted the award virtually from the University of Alabama campus in Tuscaloosa. The award is usually presented in December at a star-studded event in New York.
But a season that usually begins in August did not begin until the end of September.
The senior wideout had a dominant season for the undefeated Tide, taking 105 passes for 1,641 yards and 20 touchdowns.
“I am relieved that it is now over (and) I can concentrate on this last game,” said Smith. “It’s great to hear my name called.”
Smith is set to star in the next Alabama national title game against the Ohio State Buckeyes, scheduled for January 11 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
The Heisman Trophy is awarded to the player elected the most outstanding university football player in the country. Three Alabama players won the award – Smith, running back Mark Ingram in 2009 and running back Derrick Henry in 2015.
“It’s a blessing. These guys set a standard,” he said. “And I am very excited to have the chance to come here and try to play according to that standard and set the standard for everyone else who will come after.”
Smith won the prize with 1,856 points. Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who many commentators predict will be the first choice in the NFL draft, came in second with 1,187 points. Lawrence lost two games after contracting the coronavirus.
Smith’s teammate, quarterback Mac Jones, was third; Florida quarterback Kyle Trask was fourth; and Alabama Najee Harris’ running back was fifth.
Smith said that being one of the four wide receivers to win the award “means a lot to me”.