Early Life and College Beginnings
Joshua Kenneth Heupel, born on March 22, 1978, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, began his collegiate football journey at Weber State University, before moving to Snow College, and ultimately transferring to the University of Oklahoma.
Heupel’s passion for football was evident from childhood — as a kid, he would often sit in the film room with coaches, absorbing every bit of strategy and film breakdown.
Rise to Stardom at Oklahoma
At Oklahoma, Heupel made a huge impact in just two seasons as quarterback (1999–2000). He posted a 20–5 record as the starter, throwing for 7,456 yards and 53 touchdowns.
His performance helped propel the Sooners to an undefeated season and a national championship, concluding with a win over Florida State in the 2001 Orange Bowl.
Awards, Accolades, and the Heisman
Heupel had a decorated 2000 season:
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He was named Associated Press (AP) College Football Player of the Year.
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He won the Walter Camp Award, and earned consensus All-American honors.
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Despite his outstanding performance, he did not win the Heisman Trophy — he was the Heisman Trophy runner-up in 2000.
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The winner that year was Chris Weinke. (Heupel finished second.)
His humility was well-known: after finishing second in the Heisman voting, he said that the national championship was more meaningful to him because it represented the achievement of his team, not just individual glory.
Transition to Coaching
After his playing days, Heupel smoothly transitioned into coaching:
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He began as a graduate assistant at Oklahoma.
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Over the years, he held several roles at Oklahoma — including quarterbacks coach and co-offensive coordinator.
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He also coached at Arizona (tight ends) before moving on to Utah State as Assistant Head Coach, Offensive Coordinator, and QB coach.
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In 2021, Heupel became the head football coach at the University of Tennessee, where he has built a reputation for his energetic offense and strong leadership.
Legacy and Impact
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As a player, Heupel remains one of the top quarterbacks in Oklahoma Sooners history in terms of passing yards, completions, and touchdowns — despite playing only two seasons.
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He is widely respected for his team-first mentality, strong work ethic, and deep understanding of the game — traits that have translated into a successful coaching career.
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Though he never won the Heisman, being a Heisman runner-up underscores how dominant and influential he was in college.
Answering the Key Question: Did Josh Heupel Win the Heisman?
No, Josh Heupel did not win the Heisman Trophy. He finished second in the 2000 Heisman voting, behind Chris Weinke.
However, his legacy is far more than that: he’s a national champion, a decorated award winner, and a respected coach.
