The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have a rich and storied history in NCAA sports. Known for excellence across multiple programs, they excel in Notre Dame Fighting Irish football, baseball, and hockey. From legendary athletes to unforgettable championships, the Fighting Irish continue to uphold their tradition of success, inspiring fans and student-athletes alike with every season.
College Sports Established
1894
Location
Notre Dame, Indiana
College Name
University of Notre Dame
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1919 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
2013 – Present / ACC Conference
1995 - 2013 / Big East Conference
1978 - 1995 / Division I Independent
1894 - 1978 / Unknown
Nickname
Fighting Irish - The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are one of the country's most iconic college sports teams. Since their inception in 1887, they have been known for their fierce competitiveness and passionate fanbase. But did you know that their nickname has a fascinating history? Here’s how the Notre Dame Fighting Irish got its name.
It all started with an early football game between Notre Dame and Northwestern University in 1889. At halftime, Coach Charles Eames asked his team, “What’s the matter with you guys? You’re all playing like wild Indians! Let's show them what actual fighting Irish can do! And so it began…
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Origin
The term "Fighting Irish" was quickly adopted by fans and players alike to describe this new era of hard-nosed play on both sides of the ball from then on out. It wasn't until 1909, when Father John O'Hara wrote an article about ND football entitled “The Rise Of The Fighting Irish," however, that it became official; he referred to them not only as "fighting" but also noted that they were incredibly proud of being called 'Irish.' From there, other schools began using similar nicknames, such as Nebraska Cornhuskers or Texas Longhorns - though none entirely captured national attention like those found at South Bend, Indiana's beloved university: The University Of Notre Dame - Home To Those Legendary Golden Domers…the FIGHTING IRISH!!!
Today, Notre Dame is still proudly represented by its unique mascot Leprechaun who stands guard over Touchdown Jesus while donning traditional green attire. While some may debate whether or not this nickname accurately reflects any particular group within Ireland – one thing is certain: no other school enjoys such high levels of respect & admiration for having stuck with tradition since day 1: Go IRISH!!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 2
1994, 1951
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 2
2018, 2001
Football 13
1988, 1977, 1973, 1966, 1964, 1949, 1947, 1946, 1943, 1930, 1929, 1924, 1919
Soccer 1
2013
- 1924
- 1988
- 1995
- 2010
- 2012
- 2013
- 2018
-
The football team wins its first national championship
In 1924: The football team wins its first national championship under coach Knute Rockne and features the legendary Four Horsemen backfield. -
Holtz and NCAA Championship 1988
In contrast to Faust, Holtz was well known as a master motivator and a strict disciplinarian. The tone was set with Holtz’s first meeting with his team as Irish head coach in 1986, immediately demanding his players sit up straight in their chairs and look him in the eye as he spoke. He displayed the latter trait in spades when ... -
women’s soccer team wins its first national championship
In 1995: The women’s soccer team wins its first national championship under coach Chris Petrucelli and features forward Cindy Daws. -
women’s basketball team reaches the NCAA under coach Muffet McGraw
In 2010: The women’s basketball team reaches the NCAA championship game for the first time under coach Muffet McGraw and features guard Skylar Diggins. -
football team finishes the regular season undefeated and ranked No. 1
In 2012: The football team finishes the regular season undefeated and ranked No. 1 for the first time since 1988, but loses to Alabama in the BCS title game. -
ND Baseball Wins Champs 2013
The 2013 Notre Dame Fighting Irish men’s soccer team represented the University of Notre Dame during the 2013 NCAA Division I men’s soccer season. It was the 37th season of the university fielding a program. The Irish were coached by 13th-year head coach Bobby Clark and sixth-year assistant coach, B. J. Craig, who was promoted to associate head coach prior ... -
Women’s Basketball Champs for ND
After an injury-plagued start to the 2017–18 season, which saw four Irish players lost to injury, Notre Dame won its second National Championship by beating Mississippi State 61–58. Junior guard Arike Ogunbowale scored the game-winning three-point shot with 1/10th of a second left, two days after scoring a similar buzzer-beater to knock out Connecticut in the semifinal game. The win ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish History
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are one of the most celebrated NCAA sports teams, with a history dating back to 1887. Known for excellence in Notre Dame Fighting Irish football, baseball, and hockey, they have won 11 national championships and countless conference titles. Their rivalry with the Pittsburgh Panthers has fueled some of the most memorable moments in college sports history.
Success for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish comes from legendary coaches like Knute Rockne, Frank Leahy, Ara Parseghian, Lou Holtz, and Brian Kelly. These leaders helped shape the team’s dominance, particularly in football, while also inspiring success in baseball and hockey programs. The program has produced iconic athletes such as Joe Montana, Paul Hornung, and Manti Te’o.
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team has captured national attention with multiple undefeated seasons and Heisman Trophy winners. Meanwhile, Notre Dame Fighting Irish baseball has produced MLB stars and reached College World Series appearances, and hockey continues to grow as a competitive NCAA program, highlighting the school’s multi-sport excellence.
Beyond their on-field success, the Fighting Irish boast a passionate fan base that travels nationwide. Fans create electric atmospheres at Notre Dame Stadium and other venues, supporting the team in football, baseball, and hockey alike. This loyalty has cemented Notre Dame as one of the most respected and recognizable brands in college athletics.
Fighting Irish Achievements
In addition to national championships, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have numerous conference titles and individual accolades across all sports. Their commitment to developing student-athletes academically and athletically has made the program a model for collegiate sports nationwide.
Today, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish continue to compete at the highest level in football, baseball, and hockey, consistently appearing in NCAA tournaments and bowl games. Their storied history, iconic players, and enduring fan support ensure that the Fighting Irish remain a premier program in NCAA history.
