How Many Football Championships Does Notre Dame Have?

By Sarah Miller · June 14, 2042

Notre Dame has won 11 national championships in college football, according to the NCAA and major wire-service selectors like the AP Poll and Coaches Poll. These titles were officially recognized across different eras of college football, with the Fighting Irish claiming championships in seasons spanning from 1924 to 1988.

National Championships: How Notre Dame Built a Legacy

The University of Notre Dame is one of the most storied programs in college football history. With a total of 11 national championships, the Fighting Irish rank among the elite in NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) history. These championships were secured through dominant performances under legendary coaches such as Knute Rockne, Frank Leahy, Ara Parseghian, and Lou Holtz.

What Defines a National Championship?

In college football, national champions are determined by polls or selection committees, not a playoff system (prior to the College Football Playoff era).
Before 1998, multiple organizations could name their own champion, leading to split titles.
Notre Dame’s 11 titles are consensus or major wire-service recognized championships.
The NCAA does not officially award a national champion in FBS; instead, it recognizes designations from bodies like the AP Poll and Coaches Poll.

Year-by-Year Breakdown of Notre Dame's Championships

Each championship season reflects a peak in Notre Dame’s football excellence. Below is a detailed table listing every national title the program has claimed, including the head coach, final record, and selector(s) that awarded the championship.

Year	Head Coach	Record	Selecting Organizations
1924	Knute Rockne	10–0	AP, Dickinson, NCF
1929	Knute Rockne	9–0	Helms, Houlgate, NCF
1930	Knute Rockne	9–0	AP, Dickinson, Houlgate, NCF
1943	Frank Leahy	9–1	AP
1946	Frank Leahy	8–0–1	AP
1947	Frank Leahy	9–0	AP, UP
1949	Frank Leahy	10–0	AP, UP
1966	Ara Parseghian	9–0–1	AP, FWAA, NFF, UPI
1973	Ara Parseghian	11–0	NFF, UPI
1977	Danny Ford (interim), Dan Devine	11–1	AP, NFF, UPI
1988	Lou Holtz	12–1	AP, FWAA, NFF, UPI

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The data shows that Notre Dame’s national titles span nine decades, highlighting sustained excellence. The program peaked under Frank Leahy and Ara Parseghian, who combined for seven championships. The 1949 and 1988 teams went undefeated and untied, culminating in decisive bowl victories. Notably, the 1973 title was shared with Alabama but recognized independently by UPI and NFF.

Eras of Dominance: Coaches Who Shaped Champions

Notre Dame’s success is closely tied to its legendary head coaches, each defining an era of dominance.

Knute Rockne (1920s)

Rockne led Notre Dame to three national titles (1924, 1929, 1930) and popularized the forward pass. His .881 winning percentage remains one of the best in college football history.

Frank Leahy (1940s)

Leahy captured four titles in eight seasons (1943, 1946, 1947, 1949). His 1949 team is often ranked among the greatest in college football history.

Ara Parseghian (1960s–70s)

Parseghian revived the program, winning titles in 1966 and 1973. The 1966 team finished 9–0–1 and controversially tied Michigan State before defeating USC in the postseason.

Lou Holtz (1988)

Holtz led the 1988 squad to a perfect regular season and a win over West Virginia in the Fiesta Bowl, securing the final AP National Championship of the 20th century.

Why Notre Dame's Championship Count Matters

With 11 national titles, Notre Dame ranks sixth all-time in FBS history, behind only Alabama, Ohio State, Oklahoma, LSU, and Michigan. Its consistent presence in national conversations—even during rebuilding years—reflects unmatched brand equity and historical prestige. Unlike many programs, Notre Dame maintains independence in scheduling, which increases difficulty but also visibility.

While some schools have more recent success, Notre Dame’s legacy is built on era-defining excellence and cultural impact, including Heisman Trophy winners like Tim Brown, Paul Hornung, and Johnny Lattner.

About Notre Dame Football National Championships: Common Questions

How many national championships does Notre Dame claim?

Notre Dame officially claims 11 national championships: 1924, 1929, 1930, 1943, 1946, 1947, 1949, 1966, 1973, 1977, and 1988. These are recognized by major selectors and listed in official university records.

Does Notre Dame have a national championship since 1988?

No, Notre Dame has not won a national championship since 1988. They appeared in the BCS National Championship Game after the 2012 season but lost to Alabama 42–14.

Which coach has the most national titles at Notre Dame?

Frank Leahy holds the record with four national championships (1943, 1946, 1947, 1949). His tenure is considered the golden era of Notre Dame football.

Why doesn't Notre Dame have more recent championships?

While Notre Dame remains competitive, the modern era demands depth in recruiting, facilities, and year-round player development. Conference alignment and lack of a conference championship game berth limit playoff access compared to Power Five conference teams.

Is Notre Dame’s 1977 title disputed?

The 1977 championship is not widely disputed. Notre Dame finished 11–1 and defeated Texas in the Cotton Bowl. They were ranked No. 1 in both the AP and UPI polls after the bowl games, despite Alabama finishing unbeaten but lower in final rankings.