NEW YORK -- Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett's quest to become winner of the 87th Heisman Trophy came up just short, finishing third behind winner Bryce Young, the quarterback from Alabama and defensive end Aidan Hutchinson from Michigan.
The Heisman Trophy is awarded annually to the premier college football player in the country representing an elite fraternity of college athletes. The Panthers have been no stranger to this award with Pitt running back Tony Dorsett winning the award in 1976, the same season the Panthers won the national title.
Pickett's third-place finish is the highest ever for a Panthers quarterback, eclipsing the fourth place finish of Dan Marino in 1981. His finish was also the highest for a Pitt player since wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald finished second in 2003. Pickett also became the fifth Panther to finish in the top three among finalists joining the aforementioned Dorsett and Fitzgerald, as well as linebacker Hugh Green in 1980 (second) and halfback/fullback Marshall Goldberg (second in 1938 and third in 1937).
The redshirt senior garnered 631 total points. He received 28 first place points, 178 second place points and 174 third place points. To put that in perspective, Young received 2,311 points with an astounding 684 first place votes. Hutchinson finished with 78 first place, 273 second place and 174 third place votes for 954 points.
Rounding out the finalists was Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud, who finished with 399 points.
Getting an invite to New York is an incredible achievement and the crowning moment on an illustrious career that's seen Pickett eclipse all of Marino's passing records, becoming the all-time leader in passing yards (12,303), pass completions (1,045), total offense (13,112), touchdown responsibility (102) and passing touchdowns (81).
It's been a whirlwind week for Pickett, who led the Panthers to the ACC Championship last Saturday. On Sunday, Pitt found out they will be heading to a New Years' Six bowl by being selected to play in the Peach Bowl against Michigan State.
Pickett then began the weekend in Baltimore after winning the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award before making the trek to New York for the Heisman Ceremony. Now, it's decision-making time for Pickett, who mentioned earlier Saturday his decision on whether he will be playing in the Peach Bowl December 29 will be forthcoming this week.
No matter what decision Pickett makes, he will go down as one of the greatest to ever don the blue and gold.
You can see how our Cory Giger voted for the Heisman Trophy here.
