The finalists are, in alphabetical order, Reggie Bush (USC), Matt Leinart (USC), Adrian Peterson (Oklahoma), Alex Smith (Utah), and Jason White (Oklahoma).

Dec. 8, 2004

Contact:
Carrie Bittman or Tim Henning: (212) 425-7000

New York, NY - The Heisman Trophy Trust announced today the five finalists for the 70th 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), Adrian Peterson (Oklahoma), Alex Smith (Utah), and Jason White (Oklahoma). This is the first time in the history of the Heisman Memorial Trophy that teammates from two different schools are finalists.

The five 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 resulting from a special promotion with American Suzuki Motor Corporation, the presenting sponsor of the Heisman Memorial Trophy. The ballots are tabulated by the independent accounting firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP. Electors vote either online or via paper ballot.

The winner will be honored Monday, December 13, 2004 at the Awards Presentation Dinner at the Hilton New York. Former USC Coach John Robinson will be the Keynote Speaker for the evening. Two previous Heisman winners will also be recognized: Alan Ameche (Wisconsin, 1954) on the 50th Anniversary of his award, and Charles White (USC, 1979) on the 25th Anniversary of his award. Only ticketed guests will be permitted at the event. For more information, please visit www.heisman.com or call the Heisman offices at (212) 425-7000 ext.1.

"We are proud to present the 70th Anniversary of the Heisman Memorial Trophy award," said Rudy Riska, Executive Director of the Heisman Memorial Trophy. Riska, who is retiring in January after 44 years with the Heisman, continued "These young men are great athletes and great competitors. Each, in their own right, has created his own unique legacy as a collegiate athlete, but only one will be awarded the prestigious Heisman Trophy."

The 2004 Heisman Memorial Trophy Award is sponsored by the American Suzuki Motor Corporation. Other sponsors include Wendy's, Reebok, Inc., College Sports Television, Sirius Satellite Radio and Herff Jones.

Media outlets requesting credentials for the 2004 Heisman Memorial Trophy Announcement can go to www.heisman.com.