Notre Dame Football is one of the most famous college football programs in the United States. With its long history, this team has created unforgettable moments on the field. Fans love cheering for the Fighting Irish, and many know a lot about their favorite players and memorable games. From legendary coaches to incredible victories, the stories behind this team are just as thrilling as the games themselves.
Today, we’ll take a fun look at some interesting trivia about Notre Dame Football that even the biggest fans might not know. Whether you think you know everything about the team or just want to learn something new, there’s something here for everyone. Get ready to impress your friends with cool facts and stories that highlight why Notre Dame Football is so special. Let’s kick off the fun!
Notre Dame Football Trivia
Fighting Irish Legends
1. Who was Notre Dame’s first Heisman Trophy winner? (Answer: John Lujack)
2. Which famous coach led Notre Dame to four national championships in the 1940s? (Answer: Frank Leahy)
3. Who is Notre Dame’s all-time leading rusher? (Answer: Josh Adams)
4. What position did the legendary player Tim Brown play? (Answer: Wide receiver)
5. Who was the first Notre Dame player to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame? (Answer: Paul Hornung)
6. What year did Joe Montana win the national championship with Notre Dame? (Answer: 1977)
7. Who coached the Fighting Irish to their last national title in 1988? (Answer: Lou Holtz)
8. What was the home stadium of Notre Dame before Notre Dame Stadium was built? (Answer: Cartier Field)
9. Which player won the Heisman Trophy in 1987 and was a standout at Notre Dame? (Answer: Tim Brown)
10. Who is the most famous Notre Dame quarterback known for leading the team to a national championship? (Answer: Joe Montana)
Memorable Moments on the Field
1. What was the famous game where Notre Dame defeated Miami in 1988? (Answer: The Catholics vs. Convicts game)
2. In which year did Notre Dame achieve its longest winning streak of 23 games? (Answer: 1988 to 1990)
3. What notable event happened in the 1973 Sugar Bowl involving Notre Dame? (Answer: Notre Dame won the championship against Alabama)
4. How many times has Notre Dame played in the Rose Bowl? (Answer: 1 time)
5. Which play is known as “The Play,” where a last-second touchdown helped Notre Dame win in 1988? (Answer: The 1988 Miami game)
6. What year did the “Fighting Irish” nickname officially come to be used? (Answer: 1927)
7. What is Notre Dame’s record in the Cotton Bowl? (Answer: 3 wins, 1 loss)
8. Which year did Notre Dame play its first game in Eugene, Oregon? (Answer: 1946)
9. What nickname is given to Notre Dame’s home games played at night? (Answer: “Night Games”)
10. In 2005, what record-setting win streak was broken by Notre Dame? (Answer: The 43-game win streak of USC)
Championship Glory
1. How many national championships has Notre Dame football won? (Answer: 11)
2. Which year did Notre Dame last win the national championship? (Answer: 1988)
3. Who was the coach of Notre Dame during their 1988 championship win? (Answer: Lou Holtz)
4. What year did Notre Dame first win a national championship? (Answer: 1924)
5. How many times has Notre Dame reached the BCS National Championship Game? (Answer: 2 times)
6. Who did Notre Dame defeat to win the national title in 1973? (Answer: Alabama)
7. What year did Notre Dame achieve back-to-back national championships? (Answer: 1946 and 1947)
8. Which player was pivotal in Notre Dame’s 1947 national championship team? (Answer: Johnny Lujack)
9. What was the score of the 1988 national championship game against West Virginia? (Answer: 34-21)
10. How many times has Notre Dame been recognized as a consensus national champion? (Answer: 7 times)
Notable Coaches and Achievements
1. Who was Notre Dame’s head coach responsible for the infamous “Four Horsemen”? (Answer: Knute Rockne)
2. What coaching strategy is Lou Holtz known for during his time at Notre Dame? (Answer: Building team character)
3. Who is recognized as one of the most successful head coaches in Notre Dame history with a high win percentage? (Answer: Frank Leahy)
4. What innovative practice did Knute Rockne introduce to enhance player performance? (Answer: Forward pass)
5. Which former Notre Dame coach was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2002? (Answer: Lou Holtz)
6. Who was the only Notre Dame coach to lead the team to a perfect season twice? (Answer: Frank Leahy)
7. Which head coach is known for resurrecting Notre Dame’s program in the 1980s? (Answer: Lou Holtz)
8. How many coaches has Notre Dame had since 1964? (Answer: Four)
9. What is the name of the annual award given to the best Notre Dame player? (Answer: The Knute Rockne Award)
10. Who holds the record for the most wins as head coach of Notre Dame? (Answer: Brian Kelly)
Traditions and Fan Culture
1. What is the name of Notre Dame’s mascot? (Answer: The Leprechaun)
2. What do fans often sing after victories at Notre Dame games? (Answer: “Notre Dame Victory March”)
3. What is the famous statue that overlooks Notre Dame Stadium? (Answer: Touchdown Jesus)
4. What unique tradition occurs before home games involving the players entering the stadium? (Answer: The Dome Walk)
5. What is the significance of the “Play Like a Champion Today” sign? (Answer: It reminds players of their goals)
6. Which color do Notre Dame fans primarily wear to show their support? (Answer: Gold and blue)
7. What weeklong events occur for homecoming at Notre Dame? (Answer: Homecoming Week)
8. What is unique about the student section at Notre Dame games? (Answer: It stands for the entire game)
9. How many nationalities of fans show up to support Notre Dame at games? (Answer: Over 50)
10. Which famous quote do fans shout or display at every game? (Answer: “Go Irish!”)
Rivalries that Define Notre Dame
1. Which team is considered Notre Dame’s biggest rival? (Answer: USC)
2. What is the nickname for the Notre Dame vs. Navy series? (Answer: The longest continuous rivalry)
3. How many consecutive years have Notre Dame and Michigan faced each other? (Answer: Numerous, with a historic back-and-forth)
4. What rivalry game started the “Shillelagh Trophy”? (Answer: Notre Dame vs. Purdue)
5. Who initiated the rivalry between Notre Dame and Miami in the 1980s? (Answer: Both teams’ success)
6. What is the unique element of the Notre Dame and Stanford game each year? (Answer: The traveling trophy)
7. Which rivalry is often considered a “Catholics vs. Convicts” matchup? (Answer: Notre Dame vs. Miami)
8. How did the Notre Dame vs. Michigan rivalry begin? (Answer: Geographical proximity)
9. What year did Notre Dame and Miami first face off? (Answer: 1988)
10. Which team ended Notre Dame’s playoff run in 2012? (Answer: Alabama)
Historic Players and Their Impact
1. Who is the only Notre Dame player to have his number retired? (Answer: No. 73, Paul Hornung)
2. Which former player went on to become a successful NFL quarterback after Notre Dame? (Answer: Joe Montana)
3. What year did quarterback Tony Rice lead Notre Dame to a national championship? (Answer: 1988)
4. Who was the first African American to play football for Notre Dame? (Answer: George “Sui” Lang)
5. Which position did legendary player Joe Theismann play at Notre Dame? (Answer: Quarterback)
6. What is the nickname for Notre Dame’s 1988 national championship running back? (Answer: Rocket Ismail)
7. What was notable about starting quarterback Brady Quinn’s time at Notre Dame? (Answer: He set numerous records)
8. Who was the first Notre Dame player to rush for over 2,000 yards in a season? (Answer: Allen Pinkett)
9. Which wide receiver set the record for the most receiving yards in a single season for Notre Dame? (Answer: Golden Tate)
10. What legendary Notre Dame linebacker went on to coach in the NFL? (Answer: Jerry Tillery)
Final Thoughts
Notre Dame Football is rich in history, tradition, and unforgettable moments. From legendary coaches and exceptional players to thrilling games and cherished fan culture, the Fighting Irish have left an indelible mark on the sport. This trivia provides a glimpse into why Notre Dame remains one of the most celebrated teams in college football. As you explore the depths of Notre Dame Football trivia, be sure to dive into other engaging topics like our Notre Dame Football Trivia or broaden your horizons with College Football Trivia. Embrace the passion, tradition, and excitement that makes college football so special!