Notre Dame Fighting Irish Explained: Traditions, Logo & History

Facts verified June 2026.

How many national championships has Notre Dame won?

Notre Dame claims 11 consensus national championships in football (1924, 1929, 1930, 1943, 1946, 1947, 1949, 1966, 1973, 1977, and 1988) — among the most of any program in the sport's history.

The Irish are sometimes credited with as many as 13 under various historical selectors. Their most recent consensus title came in 1988 under coach Lou Holtz.

What is Touchdown Jesus at Notre Dame?

"Touchdown Jesus" is the nickname for the Word of Life mural on the south side of the Hesburgh Library, which overlooks Notre Dame Stadium.

The mural depicts Christ with arms raised — a pose resembling a referee signaling a touchdown — and has become one of the most iconic landmarks in college sports.

Why is Notre Dame called the Fighting Irish?

The "Fighting Irish" nickname's origins are debated, but it became official in 1927.

One popular account traces it to the team's scrappy, never-quit play and the school's Irish-Catholic heritage; what began partly as a derisive label was embraced by the university as a badge of pride.

Why is Notre Dame football independent?

Notre Dame's football team competes as an independent rather than joining a conference, preserving its national scheduling tradition and its own NBC television deal.

The Irish maintain rivalries across the country — with USC, Navy, and others — rather than a fixed conference slate, though many of its other sports compete in the ACC.

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