The top 10 Notre Dame players of all time include legends like Joe Montana, Tim Brown, Joe Theismann, Brady Quinn, Jerome Bettis, and Manti Te’o. However, the question remains: who truly stands out in the storied history of this prestigious football program?
Presented here are the ten greatest players from Notre Dame, as compiled by FOX Sports Research.
This ranking considers both the players’ collegiate achievements at Notre Dame and their subsequent success in the NFL.
10. WR Raghib Ismail (1988-1990)
Raghib Ismail, famously known as “Rocket,” carved his name in history as the only player to return two kickoffs for touchdowns in two consecutive games (1988 and 1989).
He was the runner-up for the 1990 Heisman Trophy and later led the Toronto Argonauts to a Grey Cup victory in 1991. His NFL career included stints with the Raiders, Panthers, and Cowboys, and he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2019.
9. DT Bryant Young (1990-1993)
Bryant Young, a future Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, dominated the college scene before making his mark in the NFL. Selected as an All-American in his senior year, he recorded 6.5 sacks and 67 tackles.
Young played a key role in leading Notre Dame to a 40-8 record, including victories in two Cotton Bowls and one Sugar Bowl.
8. OL George Connor (1946-1947)
George Connor was a formidable force in the run game, helping pave the way for legends like Emil Sitko and Terry Brennan. Remarkably, he never lost a game during his time with the Fighting Irish, finishing with a record of 17-0-1, with the only tie occurring against Army in 1946.
He later enjoyed an eight-season career with the Chicago Bears, earning recognition as an NFL All-Pro.
7. QB Joe Theismann (1968-1970)
Joe Theismann is often remembered for his unfortunate injuries, but his legacy at Notre Dame is undeniable. In his first year as a starter, he led the team to a ranking as high as fifth in the nation and nearly upset national champion Texas.
During his time with the Fighting Irish, he achieved a record of 20-3-2, setting school records for passing yards in a game (526), a season (2,429), and touchdowns in a season (16).
His professional career spanned 15 seasons, culminating in a Super Bowl victory with Washington in 1982 and an MVP award in 1983, though a devastating knee injury in 1985 changed the trajectory of his career.
6. RB Jerome Bettis (1990-1992)
Jerome Bettis, affectionately known as “The Bus,” chose to forgo his senior season to enter the 1993 NFL Draft. Over his 13-year professional career, he amassed more than 13,000 rushing yards, clinching a Super Bowl title in his final season and earning induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
5. TE Dave Casper (1971-1973)
Known as “The Ghost,” Dave Casper started his career as a tackle and earned honorable mention as an All-American in 1972. He transitioned to tight end in 1973, playing a pivotal role in leading the team to a national title while being named the Fighting Irish’s Offensive MVP and a consensus All-American.
Drafted in the second round in 1974, he played for the Raiders, Oilers, and Vikings, accumulating 52 touchdowns throughout his career. Casper was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002.
4. DT Alan Page (1964-1966)
Alan Page was a cornerstone of a dominant Notre Dame defense that instilled fear in opponents. He started all 29 games during his career, contributing to 12 shutouts and allowing less than seven points per game. In his final season, he recorded 66 tackles and helped achieve a 51-0 shutout against USC.
In the NFL, Page became a Pro Bowler, All-Pro, Defensive Player of the Year, MVP, and Super Bowl champion, earning a well-deserved place in the Hall of Fame.
3. QB Paul Hornung (1954-1956)
Paul Hornung led the Fighting Irish to a 17-3 record in his first two seasons, earning All-American honors both times. Despite a challenging final season that ended with a 2-8 record, Hornung excelled individually, ranking second nationally in total offense and becoming the first player from a losing team to win the Heisman Trophy.
He later joined the Green Bay Packers, where he played as a halfback and placekicker for nine years.
2. WR Tim Brown (1984-1987)
Tim Brown, the second wide receiver to win the Heisman Trophy, set 19 school records during his time at Notre Dame, earning the nickname “Touchdown Timmy.” He was a two-time All-American, finishing his final two seasons with 1,756 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, along with five return touchdowns.
After claiming the Heisman in 1987, Brown was selected sixth overall in the NFL Draft and went on to be named to nine Pro Bowls, holding an NFL record for 75 receptions in 10 consecutive seasons, culminating in his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015.
1. QB Joe Montana (1974-1978)
Joe Montana is a name synonymous with football excellence. While his professional career is legendary, his college days at Notre Dame were remarkable in their own right. Over 27 games, he threw for more than 4,000 yards, with 25 touchdown passes and six rushing touchdowns.
Despite his collegiate achievements, Montana was overlooked by scouts during the old combine process, leading to his selection at the end of the third round by the San Francisco 49ers. He would go on to lead the team to four Super Bowl victories, nine divisional titles, and surpass 40,000 passing yards in his career. Many of his Super Bowl records remain unbroken.
HONORABLE MENTION
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