The Heisman Memorial Trophy Award (often known simply as the Heisman Trophy or The Heisman), named after former college football player and coach John Heisman, is awarded annually by the Downtown Athletic Club to the most outstanding player in collegiate football. Although not the only award honoring the best player in college football (The Walter Camp Award and Maxwell Award are also awarded to the "best player") it is considered the most prestigious. It is awarded in early December before the postseason bowl games begin. It has no relationship to Wendy's High School Heisman.

The trophy does not serve as a representation of a collegiate player's chances in professional leagues, but is rather an accolade for their accomplishments in college. However, essentially every Heisman winner goes on to play in the NFL, and most are among the top draft picks. Winning the Heisman Trophy does not guarantee future success at the NFL level. Only eight winners of the Heisman are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but four winners have also been named Most Valuable Player in a Super Bowl.

The trophy itself is modeled after Ed Smith, a leading player in 1934 for the now defunct New York University football team by sculptor Frank Eliscu. The trophy is made out of cast bronze, is 13.5 inches (34.3 centimeters) tall and weighs 25 pounds (11.3 kilograms).