Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith was announced as the winner of the 2020 Heisman Trophy last night, setting him up for a lucrative career.
Smith beat out his own quarterback Mac Jones for the Heisman, and is the first wide receiver to win the award since 1991; 20 quarterbacks have won since then.
The 22-year-old also won the Paul Hornung Award, recognizing him as college football’s most versatile player.
Back in 2014, ESPN estimated that winning the Heisman alone was worth a minimum of $800,000 over the course of the winner’s lifetime.
In many cases, the winner goes on to sign a monster rookie contract in the NFL.
Recent Heisman Winner Rookie Deals:
- Joe Burrow, 2019: No. 1 draft pick, four-year, $36.1 million deal with the Cincinnati Bengals
- Kyler Murray, 2018: No. 1 draft pick, four-year, $35 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals
- Baker Mayfield, 2017: No. 1 draft pick, four-year, $32 million deal with the Cleveland Browns
Players aren’t the only ones who benefit.
Baylor University generated an estimated $250 million from donations, ticket sales, licensing fees and sponsorship deals after Robert Griffith III won the Heisman in 2011.
![Florida head coach Jon Sumrall speaks after spring practice at Sanders Practice Fields in Gainesville, FL on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]](https://frontofficesports.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/USATSI_28676620_168416386_lowres-e1779828437389.jpg?quality=80&w=300)
