The finalists are, in alphabetical order, Reggie Bush (USC), Matt Leinart (USC) and Vince Young (Texas).

Dec. 7, 2005

New York, NY - The Heisman Trophy Trust announced today the three finalists for the 71st Annual Heisman Memorial Trophy Award presented to the best college football player in the United States. The finalists are, in alphabetical order, Reggie Bush (USC), Matt Leinart (USC) and Vince Young (Texas) Dec. 7, 2005. The three finalists were selected from a group of 923 electors that consists of 52 former Heisman Trophy winners, 870 national media electors from six regions across the country and one collective fan vote. The ballots are tabulated by the independent accounting firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP. Electors vote either online or via paper ballot.

The winner of the 71st Annual Heisman Memorial Trophy Award will be announced live on ESPN in a special presentation from The Nokia Theatre in Times Square, at 8:00 p.m. (EST) on Saturday, December 10, 2005.

The winner will be honored Monday, December 12, 2005 at the Awards Presentation Dinner at the Hilton New York. Two previous Heisman winners will be recognized: Hop Cassady (Ohio State, 1955) on the 50th Anniversary of his award, and George Rogers (South Carolina, 1980) on the 25th Anniversary of his award. Terry Bowden will be the keynote speaker at the dinner. Only ticketed guests will be permitted at the event. For more information, or to purchase tickets, please visit www.heisman.com or call the Heisman offices at (212) 425-7000.

"This has been another exciting year for College Football. We have seen tremendous talent on the gridiron throughout the country" quoted Heisman Director, Rob Whalen. "Each one of these contenders is surely deserving of the Heisman. We look forward to welcoming them to New York City this weekend."

The 2005 Heisman Memorial Trophy Award is sponsored by the Wendy's International, Reebok, EA Sports, Deloitte & Touché LLP. & Herff Jones.