The running back who missed the Heisman Trophy by just 28 points
In short: In 2009, Toby Gerhart delivered one of the most dominant seasons in college football history. Leading the nation in rushing yards and touchdowns, he became a unanimous All-American, yet he finished a hair's breadth away from the sport's most prestigious individual award.
Toby Gerhart's 2009 campaign at Stanford was defined by unprecedented production. He topped the NCAA Division I FBS in points scored (172), total touchdowns (28), rushing touchdowns (28), and rushing yards (1,871). This breakout season saw him earn unanimous All-American honors and the Doak Walker Award, recognizing him as the nation's premier running back.
The season's climax was a historic Heisman Trophy vote. Gerhart finished as the runner-up to Mark Ingram II, securing 1,276 points compared to Ingram's 1,304. This 28-point difference represents the narrowest margin in the trophy's 74-year history. While Gerhart's dominance was undeniable, the vote highlighted the intense competition within the 2009 collegiate season.
Beyond the field, Gerhart's career was marked by versatility and academic achievement. A valedictorian in high school, he majored in Management Science and Engineering at Stanford. He was also a starting outfielder for the university's baseball team, even turning down a professional baseball contract in June 2009 to return to Stanford for his senior football season. Following his professional football career, which included time with the Minnesota Vikings and Jacksonville Jaguars, he returned to Stanford to earn an MBA in 2020.
Gerhart's impact on the Stanford record books was significant. He held the school's single-season rushing record of 1,871 yards until 2015, and he remains the Cardinal's all-time leader for touchdowns in a single season (28) and career (44).
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