The Road to Norman: A Transfer Tale
Jalen Hurts Heisman journey truly began when he arrived at Oklahoma in 2019 as a graduate transfer after a tumultuous tenure at Alabama. Under Nick Saban, he became the first true freshman to start at quarterback in decades, earned SEC Offensive Player of the Year honors, and led the Crimson Tide to two national title games. However, his legacy became complicated after being benched for Tua Tagovailoa during the national championship—a turning point that set the stage for his transfer. Despite a heroic SEC title game performance the following season, it was at Oklahoma where the Jalen Hurts Heisman campaign would take shape and redefine his career.
Joining Lincoln Riley’s quarterback pipeline, Hurts aimed to follow Heisman winners Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray. His mission: prove he was more than just a “game manager.”
2019: A Heisman-Caliber Statistical Showcase
Hurts’ lone season at Oklahoma redefined dual-threat quarterback play:
- 5,149 total yards (3,851 passing, 1,298 rushing) — surpassing Lamar Jackson’s Heisman season
- 53 total touchdowns (32 passing, 20 rushing, 1 receiving) — led the FBS and broke Oklahoma’s rushing TD record for QBs
- 69.7% completion rate and 191.2 passer rating — exceeding even Kyler Murray’s Heisman stats
Hurts’ 2019 vs. Recent Heisman Winners
| Stat | Jalen Hurts | Kyler Murray | Lamar Jackson |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 5,149 | 5,362 | 5,114 |
| Total TDs | 53 | 54 | 51 |
| Rush Yards | 1,298 | 1,001 | 1,571 |
| Passer Rating | 191.2 | 199.2 | 148.8 |
Yet, these impressive stats couldn’t outshine Joe Burrow’s historic LSU season.
Heisman Voting: Burrow’s Landslide & Hurts’ Moral Victory
In the 2019 Heisman vote, Hurts finished in second place:
- Runner-up with 12 first-place votes
- Narrowly edged out Ohio State’s Justin Fields for second
- Outpaced by Burrow’s record-breaking point total and performance
Still, Hurts’ redemption narrative resonated—a benched Alabama quarterback reborn as an Oklahoma powerhouse.
The Hidden Flaw: NFL Draft Slide
Despite his Heisman credentials, Hurts fell to the second round in the 2020 NFL Draft. Why?
- Ball security concerns: Interceptions and fumbles worried teams
- “System QB” criticism: Riley’s offense was viewed as stat-inflating
- Peach Bowl performance: Oklahoma’s blowout loss to LSU raised doubts
2020 Draft Comparison
| QB | Heisman Finish | Draft Slot | Pass TDs | Team Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joe Burrow | 1st | 1st overall | 60 | 15-0 |
| Jalen Hurts | 2nd | 2nd round | 32 | 12-2 |
Legacy & NFL Validation
The near-miss Heisman moment became a spark:
- Proved doubters wrong: With over 40 wins and two Super Bowl appearances as Eagles QB
- Ultimate redemption: Named Super Bowl MVP in 2025
- NFL evolution: Integrated his strength-based playstyle into the Eagles’ offense, popularizing the “Tush Push”
- Media narrative: Once considered Alabama’s past and Oklahoma’s one-year wonder, he’s now seen as Philadelphia’s franchise cornerstone
Conclusion: The Unlikely Path to Immortality
Jalen Hurts’ 2019 Heisman run—statistically dominant yet overshadowed—became a defining chapter in his rise. More than a runner-up finish, it marked the start of a redemption arc that would shape one of the NFL’s most inspiring careers. From benchwarmer to MVP, Hurts turned adversity into legacy.
FAQ’s
1. Why didn’t Jalen Hurts win the Heisman Trophy?
Jalen Hurts had an incredible 2019 season at Oklahoma but lost the Heisman to Joe Burrow, who delivered a historic campaign with 60 touchdowns and an undefeated season.
2. What were Jalen Hurts’ Heisman stats at Oklahoma?
In 2019, Hurts totaled 5,149 yards, 53 touchdowns, and had a 69.7% completion rate, showcasing elite dual-threat performance.
3. Where did Jalen Hurts finish in Heisman voting?
Hurts finished second in the 2019 Heisman Trophy voting, making him the highest runner-up since 2009.
4. Did Jalen Hurts make it to the NFL after the Heisman season?
Yes, despite being a Heisman finalist, Hurts was drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles.
5. Has Jalen Hurts won a Super Bowl?
Yes, Hurts became Super Bowl MVP in 2025, completing his journey from Heisman runner-up to NFL champion.