The Heisman Winners: 1940s

This article appears in the Sports Illustrated Presents 75th Anniversary of the Heisman Trophy issue. Led NCAA in total offense, scoring, and combined rushing

This article appears in the Sports Illustrated Presents 75th Anniversary of the Heisman Trophy issue.

Led NCAA in total offense, scoring, and combined rushing and passing TDs in 1939; was second in rushing in '39 and '40.

Heisman moment: In final game Harmon threw for 151 yards and two TDs, rushed for 139 yards and two TDs, kicked four extra points and had three interceptions in 40-0 win over Ohio State.

Triple-threat single wing tailback led Minnesota to back-to-back 8-0 seasons and national titles.

Heisman moment: Injured, Smith came off bench against Iowa to run for 52 yards, pass for 74 and lead Minnesota to a 34-13 win.

First Heisman winner from South set SEC records for rushing and passing yards in junior and senior seasons, respectively.

Heisman moment: In 1942 Orange Bowl was 9 of 13 for 243 yards and three TDs and rushed for 139 yards in 40-26 win over TCU.

Ball handling wizard in Frank Leahy's T formation, Bertelli completed 25 of 36 passes for 10 TDs in six games in '43.

Heisman moment: With Irish 6-0 and outscoring opponents 261-31, Marine reservist Bertelli was called to active duty in WW II.

Called the Playing Coach, brainy Horvath rushed (924 yards, 12 TDs), passed (344 yards, six TDs), kicked, blocked and tackled.

Heisman moment: As HB, led Buckeyes to first national title, in 1942, then left for dental school; after dismal '43 season for Buckeyes, he returned and led Ohio State to 9-0 record.

Teamed with Glenn Davis (Mr. Outside) in the Cadets backfield, Mr. Inside (whose given name was Felix) scored 19 TDs and became the first junior to win Heisman.

Heisman moment: In final game of '45 season speedy fullback had three TDs in 32-13 win over Navy.

At 5' 9" was most dangerous offensive player in college game. Career average of 8.26 yards per carry is still an NCAA record.

Heisman moment: With Blanchard injured, Davis rushed for 105 yards, had seven completions for 159 yards and a TD and made two interceptions in a 20-13 win over Michigan.

Great T formation QB led Irish to unbeaten seasons in 1946 and '47, passing for 777 yards and nine TDs in his Heisman season.

Heisman moment: Greatest play came as defensive back in '46: a TD-saving tackle on Blanchard to preserve 0-0 tie between No. 1 Army and No. 2 Notre Dame.

Versatile Walker rushed for 532 yards and eight TDs, passed for 304 yards and five TDs, and caught 14 passes for 264 yards and three TDs in his Heisman season.

Heisman moment: In Cotton Bowl Classic, rushed for 59 yards and one TD and passed for another 69 yards and a TD, plus kicked an extra point in 13-13 tie with Penn State.

A two-way end at 6' 5" and 260 pounds, Hart made 19 receptions for 257 yards and five TDs in 1949.

Heisman moment: In 14-14 tie with USC in 1948, Hart shook off eight would-be Trojans tacklers on 45-yard TD reception.