The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are on the cusp of making history and adding a chapter to a century-long legacy of excellence. On Jan. 20, they’ll face the mighty Ohio State Buckeyes in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
As Notre Dame heads to the final, you might be curious about its championship history. How many championship titles have they won? When was the last time they won the national championship title? And when was the last time they played for one?
The Last Time Notre Dame Won the College Football National Championship
It’s been a while since the Fighting Irish last won the college football national championship. Their last national championship win was in 1988, under Coach Lou Holtz. Notre Dame had an undefeated 12-0 season, racking up 2,838 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns.
They clinched the championship title by defeating West Virginia 34-21 in the Fiesta Bowl. The 1988 Fighting Irish squad had 31 future NFL players, though only three were first-round picks.
Notre Dame’s Record in the National Championship Game
Back then, Notre Dame was a true powerhouse in college football. The Fighting Irish claim 11 national titles, won in 1924, 1929, 1930, 1943, 1946, 1947, 1949, 1966, 1973, 1977, and 1988. These titles place Notre Dame fifth in the all-time rankings, behind programs like the Michigan Wolverines and Alabama Crimson Tide.
It’s important to note that before the current playoff system, polls and selected organizations decided championships. The 11 Fighting Irish championships include three awarded by the Dickinson System (1924, 1929, and 1930) and eight by the AP and/or Coaches Poll. The poll system sometimes resulted in split titles, such as in 1973, when Notre Dame and Alabama claimed the national crown.
Notre Dame’s latest opportunity to compete for a national title was sealed with a thrilling 27-24 win over Penn State in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 9, thanks to Mitch Jeter’s 41-yard field goal in the final moments.
This victory sent the Fighting Irish to their first College Football Playoff National Championship Game appearance since the format began in 2014 and their first national title game in 2013.
Every Notre Dame fan has been dreaming of that sweet championship triumph again. Despite their impressive performances and recent presence in the national spotlight, the ultimate glory has remained just out of reach.
But now, the Fighting Irish are gearing up for another title chase, ready to reclaim their place at the pinnacle of college football. Will this be their moment of comeback? Will they win?
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