The 15 Most Shocking College Football Suspensions of All Time

College football has seen its fair share of scandals, controversies, and disciplinary actions over the years. While some suspensions stem from minor infractions, others have rocked programs, derailed careers, and left fans in disbelief.

From recruiting violations to off-field misconduct, these are the 15 most shocking college football player suspensions of all time.

15. Johnny Manziel – Texas A&M (2013)

The 2012 Heisman Trophy winner, Johnny Manziel, was suspended for half a game in 2013 after an NCAA investigation into allegations that he had accepted money for autographs. Though the punishment was light, the controversy surrounding “Johnny Football” cast a shadow over his final college season.

14. Tyrann Mathieu – LSU (2012)

A star defensive back and Heisman finalist, Tyrann “Honey Badger” Mathieu was dismissed from the LSU football team in August 2012 for violating team rules related to substance use. The shocking departure of one of the best players in the country marked a major blow to LSU’s national title hopes.

13. Cam Newton – Florida (2008)

Before he became a Heisman winner and national champion at Auburn, Cam Newton was suspended and ultimately left Florida amid allegations of stealing a laptop. The scandal forced Newton to transfer to a junior college before making his triumphant return to the SEC.

12. Dez Bryant – Oklahoma State (2009)

One of the most controversial NCAA rulings came in 2009 when star wide receiver Dez Bryant was suspended for the remainder of the season for lying to NCAA investigators about an off-season meeting with Deion Sanders. The punishment was seen as harsh, as Bryant’s infraction didn’t involve illegal benefits.

11. Terrelle Pryor & The “Tattoo Five” – Ohio State (2010-2011)

Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor and four teammates were suspended after it was revealed they had received free tattoos in exchange for memorabilia. The scandal ultimately led to head coach Jim Tressel resigning and Ohio State vacating its 2010 season.

10. Maurice Clarett – Ohio State (2003)

After leading the Buckeyes to a national championship in 2002, Maurice Clarett was suspended for the entire 2003 season due to academic fraud and receiving improper benefits. His career spiraled from there, and he never played another college game.

9. Jameis Winston – Florida State (2014)

Despite winning the Heisman Trophy and a national title, Jameis Winston found himself suspended for one game in 2014 after making inappropriate public comments on campus. Though a minor punishment, it was one of several off-field incidents that marred his reputation.

8. Reggie Bush – USC (2005)

Though not a suspension during his playing career, the fallout from Reggie Bush’s NCAA violations remains one of the biggest scandals in college football history. The NCAA ruled that Bush and his family received improper benefits, leading to USC vacating its 2004 national championship, Bush forfeiting his Heisman Trophy, and the Trojans facing severe penalties.

7. A.J. Green – Georgia (2010)

One of Georgia’s best wide receivers, A.J. Green was suspended for four games in 2010 for selling a game-worn jersey for $1,000. The NCAA’s strict stance on player compensation at the time drew criticism, as it was a relatively minor offense compared to other infractions.

6. Nevin Shapiro Scandal – The University of Miami (2011)

In 2011, several University of Miami football players, including Sean Spence, Jacory Harris, Travis Benjamin, Ray-Ray Armstrong, Olivier Vernon, Marcus Forston, Adewale Ojomo, and Dyron Dye, were declared ineligible for receiving improper benefits from former booster Nevin Shapiro. Shapiro, later convicted of running a Ponzi scheme, admitted to providing players with cash, luxury items, nightclub access, and entertainment at his Miami Beach mansion. The NCAA investigation led to suspensions and self-imposed sanctions by Miami, including a two-year postseason ban, in an effort to lessen further penalties.

5. Marvin Austin – North Carolina (2010)

North Carolina’s football program suffered a major blow when Marvin Austin was suspended and eventually dismissed for receiving improper benefits and academic fraud. The NCAA investigation led to UNC vacating wins and receiving major sanctions.

4. Joe Mixon – Oklahoma (2014)

Oklahoma running back Joe Mixon was suspended for his entire freshman season after a video surfaced of him punching a woman in a restaurant. The incident was one of the most disturbing off-field controversies in college football history, but Mixon later returned and became an NFL player.

3. Justin Fields & The Racial Slur Incident – Georgia (2018)

Though not a traditional suspension, Justin Fields’ decision to transfer from Georgia to Ohio State was prompted by an ugly racial slur incident involving a teammate. The NCAA granted him immediate eligibility, setting a precedent for future transfer cases.

2. Albert Means – Alabama (2000)

One of the most infamous recruiting scandals in history, Albert Means was at the center of a scandal that resulted in Alabama being hit with probation and losing scholarships. A booster allegedly paid $150,000 to steer Means to Alabama, leading to one of the harshest NCAA punishments ever.

1. The Baylor Sexual Assault Scandal (2016)

Arguably the most disturbing case in college football history, multiple Baylor players were suspended or dismissed following revelations of a widespread sexual assault cover-up. The scandal led to head coach Art Briles being fired, the university facing lawsuits, and the football program’s reputation being permanently tarnished.