The 10 Greatest Football Players in Notre Dame History

March 4, 2026

Ranking the 10 Greatest Football Players in Notre Dame History. Read the The 10 Greatest Football Players in Notre Dame History including Joe Montana, Tim Brown, Bob Golic, more

The Fighting Irish have had an illustrious list of players throughout their program's history. However, in this piece, we will attempt to rank the top 10 players in the program's nearly 135-year history.

In this ranking, we will analyze the top 10 greatest players in Notre Dame football history by looking at career statistics, legacy, and impact during their time with the Fighting Irish, and also spotlight the impact they may have had at the professional level.

Given the vast number of successful players in the program's history, it is quite challenging to limit the list to just 10. Let's dive into our recent rankings of the top-10 players in Notre Dame history.

Honorable Mentions

Brady Quinn, QB

Brady Quinn stands at the top of almost every passing record in Notre Dame history. Quinn totaled 11,762 yards with 95 total touchdowns across four full seasons. Both statistics are the most in school history. Quinn also holds the record for the most passing yards in a single season (3,919). However, his modest 240 passing yards per game and lack of accolades place him on the outside of this list.

With only 10 days left until Notre Dame Football returns here a highlight of every play of one of the greatest scoring drives in NDFB History led by #10 @Brady_Quinn Although ruined by the Bush Push it’s still one of the greatest drives ever! Legendary Tony Roberts on the call ☘️ pic.twitter.com/P1nheXzBli

— Bruce Straughan (@bruce_straughan) August 21, 2025

Manti 'Te'o, LB

After a quiet rookie campaign, Manti Te'o played a significant role during his final three seasons in South Bend. Over his final three seasons, Te'o tallied at least 110 combined tackles in each campaign. During his senior season, Te'o finished second in the Heisman voting. During that campaign, he tallied a career-best seven interceptions.

No. 10 - Jeremiyah Love, RB

After a quiet first year with the Irish, Jeremiyah Love would overtake the backfield over his final two seasons. In 2024, Love would tally 1,125 yards on the ground with 17 rushing scores (19 total). In 2025, Love would enjoy an even more productive campaign, earning All-American honors and scoring 21 total TDs.

He ran for 1,372 yards and averaged an elite 114.3 rushing yards per game. He is expected to be a top-5 pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.

Jeremiyah Love has stacked Heisman Moments all year:

• 171 & 3 TD on just 8 carries vs Syracuse
• Spin cycle vs Pitt
• Somersault TD vs Navy
• 4 TD vs Arkansas
• One-handed score vs A&M
• 228 yards vs USC

Tell me how this guy isn’t the Heisman frontrunner. pic.twitter.com/gyzDNeXndg

— Cory Wargo CFB (@CFBUpdate_) November 25, 2025

No. 9 - Bob Golic, LB

Bob Golic spent all three of his collegiate seasons with the Fighting Irish. In his debut season in 1976, Golic would have a limited role and only one point of view. However, as a sophomore, Golic was named a second-team All-American and played a lead role in their championship run. In his final season, Golic would be named a unanimous All-American and would enter the NFL Draft as a second-round pick.

No. 8 - Raghib Ismail, RB/WR

Raghib Ismail was an impact playmaker at Notre Dame. He won a National Championship during his first freshman season (1988) and caught two scores and 331 yards during that season. However, over his final two seasons (sophomore and junior), Ismail tallied at least 1,000 scrimmage yards in each campaign.

During his third and final season, Ismail ran for 537 yards and caught 699 en route to being named an All-American and finishing second in the Heisman voting.

Raghib "Rocket" Ismail Days until Notre Dame Football☘️⏰ pic.twitter.com/96byoYJ3wE

— Ryan Fravel (@Fravel_Ryan) August 6, 2025

No. 7 - Jerome Bettis, RB

After just scoring one touchdown during his first season, Jerome Bettis developed into an elite power back over his next two seasons at Notre Dame. During his second season (and first as a full-time starter), he found the back of the end zone 20 times and posted a stellar 6.3 YPC. Then, in his third and final year, Bettis showed similar consistency, tallying 6.3 YPC once again with 12 TDs.

He totaled over 1,000 scrimmage yards in each of these two campaigns.

I have a @NotreDame announcement coming soon! #FF to my days playing for the greatest university. 🎥: @NDFootball pic.twitter.com/XxV1M1C0Mq

— Jerome Bettis (@JeromeBettis36) March 29, 2019

No. 6 - George Connor, OL

George Connor only played in 18 games with the Fighting Irish but held an incredible 17-0-1 record. Connor was a force on the offensive line as he won the first-ever Outland Trophy, which is given to the nation's top interior lineman. Connor was named All-American during his two seasons at Notre Dame and went on to be an All-Pro lineman for the Chicago Bears.

No. 5 - Ross Browner, DL

Ross Browner spent his entire four-year college career in South Bend. Browner was a two-time All-American (consensus) and was the recipient of two awards, the Outland Trophy in 1976 and the Maxwell Trophy in 1977. He totaled an incredible 340 tackles during his career and finished fifth in Heisman voting during the 1977 campaign.

No. 4 - Alan Page, DT

Alan Page was a critical player in the interior line of the Notre Dame defense. Page started in every game he appeared in during his tenure. The defensive tackle was named All-American once. He helped the Irish post 12 shutouts during his time and totaled an impressive 66 tackles during his final season. This performance raised his draft capital as he was selected 15th overall by the Minnesota Vikings in the 1967 NFL Draft.

In the NFL, Page would eventually be named to the Hall of Fame and take home 1971 MVP honors with five first-team All-Pro nods.

No. 3 - Paul Hornung, QB

Paul Hornung only operated as the starting QB for two seasons in South Bend, but made a significant impact. During his first season as a starter, Hornung was named All-American and finished fifth in Heisman voting. Then, in his final season, Hornung was awarded the 1956 Heisman Trophy and held a strong 108.0 passer rating.

No. 2 - Tim Brown, WR

Tim Brown spent his entire four-year career at Notre Dame. During his third season, Brown tallied a career-high 910 receiving yards with seven total touchdowns. Then, in his senior year, Brown was named All-American and won the Heisman Trophy (1987). During this season, Brown tallied 990 all-purpose yards with four touchdowns.

Over his career, Brown tallied 2,935 scrimmage yards and found the back of the end zone 16 times.

1987 was a good year for our very own Tim Brown.

☘️ Hesiman Trophy
☘️ Walter Camp Award
☘️ Sporting News Player of the Year
☘️ UPI Player of the Year
☘️ Unanimous All-American #GoIrish ☘️ #TBT pic.twitter.com/qfFfjLfiTJ

— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) April 4, 2019

No. 1 - Joe Montana, QB

One of the greatest quarterbacks in football history takes the top spot on this list. Joe Montana only appeared in seven games during his first season. Then, over his final two campaigns, Montana took over as the starter. During the 1977 season, Montana led the Irish to a National championship. During this season, he totaled 1,604 yards and 11 scores over nine games.

In his next (and final) season, Montana threw for a career-best 2,010 yards and averaged a stellar 182.7 YPG. In his professional career spent primarily with the 49ers, Montana would go on to secure a gold jacket, be named to eight Pro Bowls, be named first-team All-Pro three times, win two AP MVPs, and take home four Lombardi Trophies.

45 Years Ago Today: It's minus 6 with the wind chill in Dallas for the Cotton Bowl.

Notre Dame is down 34-12 after three quarters.

In the 4th, the chicken soup flu-ridden Joe Montana ate kicks in.

The Irish score 23 unanswered and win 35-34. pic.twitter.com/9fU1QP85PQ

— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) January 1, 2024

More Fantasy Football Analysis