The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are their own pillar in the annals of college football history, including their run of Heisman-worthy quarterbacks in the 1900s. While success at the position has waned in recent years, the top 10 Notre Dame signal-callers of all time can still compete with nearly every other program.
College Football Network’s College Football Playoff Predictor is a tool that allows you to play out various weekly scenarios to see how the CFP picture changes with each scenario.
Notre Dame’s 10 Greatest QBs of All-Time
No. 10 Bob Williams (1948-50)
The late Bob Williams was only 19 years old when he powered Notre Dame to a perfect 10-0 season and the program’s seventh national championship in 1949. The following year, he finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting.
Williams ended his collegiate career with a 23-4-2 record, a school-record 11-game win streak, and two All-American nods. As a result, it’s no surprise he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1988.
No. 9 Paul Hornung (1954-56)
Listing Paul Hornung at any one position does his college career a disservice, as he also lined up as a halfback, safety, placekicker, and punter. Hence, the Paul Hornung Award is given to college football’s most versatile player annually.
Hornung’s 1956 campaign was one for the ages. He led Notre Dame in passing, rushing, scoring, pass breakups, kickoff and punt returns, and punting. Hell, he was even second in interceptions and tackles.
MORE: Top 10 Players To Watch in the 2025 National Championship
Despite the Irish going 2-8 that year, Hornung became the first and only Heisman Trophy winner from a losing team.
The “Golden Boy” wasn’t an elite passer and wasn’t able to usher in team success, but his do-it-all nature keeps him on Notre Dame’s list of 10 greatest QBs.
No. 8 Ian Book (2018-20)
Ian Book is second in several Notre Dame passing records — attempts, completions, yards, and TDs — while also owning 1,518 career rushing yards.
However, perhaps more impressive was the fact he led the Irish to two appearances in the four-team College Football Playoff. Although they didn’t win either of their contests, the mere fact they were in the dance was extraordinary.
No. 7 Brady Quinn (2003-06)
Did Brady Quinn win a Heisman or a national championship? No, but he’s Notre Dame’s most prolific passer.
When the Cleveland Browns called his name in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft, Quinn held 36 school records, including most career passing yards (11,672), TDs (95), and completions (929).
No. 6 Joe Theisman (1968-70)
Most know Joe Theisman as the Washington Commanders’ Super Bowl-winning signal-caller, but before that, he was Notre Dame’s career record holder for passing yards (4,411) and passing TDs (31). He was also just the second Irish QB (Paul Hornung) to rush for over 1,000 yards, earning a spot in the College Football Hall of Fame in 2003.
No. 5 Angelo Bertelli (1941-43)
Angelo Bertelli was Notre Dame’s first-ever Heisman winner and helped lead the program to a national championship in 1943. However, just six games into the season, he was called to serve in World War II.
FREE: Simulate the National Championship With CFN’s College Football Playoff Predictor
Bertelli finished his career as a two-time All-American with 2,578 passing yards and 28 TDs in less than three full seasons as a starter during an era where throwing the ball was far more of a niche.
No. 4 Riley Leonard (2023-24)
Riley Leonard has only suited up for one season for the Irish, but it’s already been enough to warrant a spot in the top five. The Duke transfer has enjoyed his best season yet, completing 66.4% of his passes for 2,606 yards, 19 TDs, and eight INTs while adding another 866 yards and 16 scores on the ground.
Individual success is great and all, but Leonard has the Irish just one game away from winning it all in the first year of the expanded 12-team CFP. If they are able to conclude the storybook season on top of the college football mountaintop, Leonard will cement his place among Notre Dame’s all-time QBs.
No. 3 Joe Montana (1975-78)
Joe Montana’s legacy at Notre Dame is defined by his clutch performances and championship pedigree. As the Fighting Irish’s starter for two seasons, Montana threw for 4,121 yards, 25 TDs, and 25 INTs while leading the team to the 1977 National Championship Game.
Yet, one game foreshadowed Joe Cool’s legendary NFL success. Down 34-12 in the fourth quarter against Houston in the 1979 Cotton Bowl, Montana, sick with the flu, engineered a 23-0 fourth quarter that resulted in a 35-34 comeback victory. Thus, the birth of “The Comeback Kid.”
No. 2 Tony Rice (1987-89)
When you think of 1980s college football, you may not think of dual-threat QBs, but Tony Rice broke the mold. On top of throwing for 2,961 yards and 11 TDs, he averaged over 5.0 yards per carry for 1,921 yards and 23 scores.
White’s crowning achievement came in 1988, when he guided the Fighting Irish to a flawless 12-0 season and a national championship, cementing his place among the program’s pantheon of greats.
No. 1 John Lujack Jr. (1943, 46-47)
Stepping into the starting role after Bertelli left for World War II, Johnny Lujack Jr. quickly etched his name into Notre Dame history. In his first season, he led the Irish to a 3-1 record and their fourth national championship.
KEEP READING: Who Wins in This Ohio State vs. Notre Dame Prediction?
After a year away serving in the Navy, Lujack returned without missing a beat, earning All-American honors in both 1946 and 1947 while securing two more national titles. In 1947, Lujack capped off his storied college career by winning the Heisman Trophy.
Oh, and if that wasn’t enough, Lujack also received varsity letters in three other sports (baseball, basketball, and track) and was named the Associated Press Athlete of the Year.
College Football Network has you covered with the latest from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, SEC, and every Group of Five conference and FBS Independent program.