Deion Sanders finishes eighth in 1988 Heisman voting as Barry Sanders wins award

Deion Sanders did not win the Heisman Trophy in 1988. The award went to Barry Sanders of Oklahoma State, who set a single-season rushing record. Deion received some votes but was not a finalist that year. In 1988, Deion Sanders played primarily as a defensive back for Florida State, also contributing as a kick and punt returner. He won the Jim Thorpe Award that season, recognizing him as the best defensive back in college football. The Heisman voting results showed Deion finishing eighth, with no first-place votes. Barry Sanders led the voting with 1,878 total points, followed by Rodney Peete and Troy Aikman.