Notre Dame Fighting Irish Explained: Traditions, Logo & History

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.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish Records, Titles & Milestones

How many national championships have the Notre Dame Fighting Irish won?

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have won 8 national championships (1988, 1977, 1973, 1966, 1949, 1947, 1946, 1943).

Do the Notre Dame Fighting Irish retire jersey numbers?

Notre Dame famously does NOT retire jersey numbers, by long-standing tradition — with so many legends, the program keeps its numbers in circulation. Instead, its seven Heisman Trophy winners stand as the program's honor roll.

Ring of Honor (7 members)

The Greatest Notre Dame Fighting Irish Players of All Time

Who is the greatest Notre Dame Fighting Irish player of all time?

By the measure of championships, individual honors, and lasting impact, Joe Montana tops most all-time Notre Dame Fighting Irish rankings. The full top 5 follows.

1. Joe Montana QB \u00b7 1975–1978

   Before four Super Bowls in the NFL, Montana was "the Comeback Kid" at Notre Dame, leading the Irish to the 1977 national championship and authoring legendary comebacks.

2. Tim Brown WR \u00b7 1984–1987

   The 1987 Heisman winner and the program's all-purpose yardage leader — the most dynamic playmaker in Notre Dame history.

3. Johnny Lujack QB \u00b7 1943–1947

   The 1947 Heisman winner and the only quarterback to lead Notre Dame to three national titles, a two-way star at QB and defensive back.

4. Paul Hornung QB/HB \u00b7 1954–1956

   The "Golden Boy" and the only Heisman winner (1956) from a losing team — a testament to his individual brilliance, later a Packers legend.

5. Tony Rice QB \u00b7 1987–1989

   The triggerman of the 1988 national championship team, the option quarterback who led the Irish to their most recent consensus title.