The Best Notre Dame Quarterbacks Ever

The University of Notre Dame has long been a breeding ground for football excellence, particularly at the quarterback position. With a storied history that includes Heisman Trophy winners, national champions, and NFL legends, Notre Dame's quarterbacks have left an indelible mark on college football. Here, we delve into some of the best Fighting Irish signal-callers to have ever graced the gridiron at Notre Dame Stadium.

Joe Montana (1975-1978)

Joe Montana's name is synonymous with quarterback greatness, not just at Notre Dame but in the annals of NFL history. During his time with the Irish, Montana demonstrated a coolness under pressure and an ability to lead comebacks that would later define his professional career. In his senior year, he tossed for 2,010 yards and 16 touchdowns, leading Notre Dame to a Cotton Bowl victory over Houston. His leadership and clutch performances earned him All-American honors in 1978. Despite not having the most gaudy statistics due to the era's different style of play, Montana's impact on the game and his subsequent NFL success place him atop many lists of Notre Dame's greatest quarterbacks.

Brady Quinn (2003-2006)

Brady Quinn might be considered by many as the modern-day standard for quarterback performance at Notre Dame. By the time he finished his career in South Bend, Quinn had shattered 36 school records, including the most career passing yards (11,762), attempts (1,602), completions (929), and touchdown passes (95). His junior year was particularly memorable, throwing for nearly 4,000 yards and 32 touchdowns, earning him a spot as a Heisman Trophy finalist. Quinn's combination of arm strength, accuracy, and leadership on the field make him one of the most statistically dominant quarterbacks in Notre Dame history.

Joe Theismann (1969-1970)

Joe Theismann's legacy at Notre Dame is often overshadowed by his professional career, but his time with the Irish was nothing short of spectacular. As a starter, he went 20-3-2, accumulating 4,411 passing yards and 31 touchdowns. His Heisman Trophy runner-up finish in 1970, behind Jim Plunkett, highlighted his standout season where he led Notre Dame to a near-perfect record. Theismann was known for his versatility, being one of the first dual-threat quarterbacks at Notre Dame, which helped pave the way for future players. His induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2003 underscores his impact.

Johnny Lujack (1943, 1946-1947)

Johnny Lujack's career at Notre Dame was split due to his service in the Navy during World War II, but his impact was profound. He was a key figure in Notre Dame’s three national championship teams in the 1940s. Lujack won the Heisman Trophy in 1947, a year where he threw for 777 yards and 9 touchdowns, but his true value was his versatility, playing multiple positions and excelling at all of them. His record of 20-1-1 as a starter speaks volumes about his leadership and skill. Lujack is often cited as one of the most decorated quarterbacks in Notre Dame history.

Paul Hornung (1954-1956)

Paul Hornung, known as "The Golden Boy," was not only a quarterback but also played multiple positions, showcasing his incredible athletic prowess. His Heisman Trophy win in 1956 was part of an era where versatile players were more common, but Hornung's ability to lead the Irish at quarterback was pivotal. His passing stats might not jump off the page by today's standards, but his leadership, versatility, and impact on games earned him a place in both the College Football and Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Tony Rice (1987-1989)

Tony Rice's tenure at Notre Dame is remembered for his pivotal role in the 1988 national championship team. Rice was the quintessential quarterback for Lou Holtz's run-oriented offense, rushing for 2,046 yards and 23 touchdowns in his career. While his passing stats were modest (3,273 yards, 21 interceptions, 13 touchdowns), his leadership, decision-making, and the way he meshed with the team's strategy were invaluable. His performance in the 1989 Fiesta Bowl, where he was named Offensive MVP, solidified his place among Notre Dame's elite quarterbacks.

John Huarte (1962-1964)

John Huarte's Heisman Trophy win in 1964 came from a single spectacular season where he threw for 2,062 yards and 16 touchdowns, leading Notre Dame to a 9-1 record. His performance in that year, which included a strong showing in the AP poll, has cemented his status despite only starting for one year due to injuries and competition. Huarte's contribution to Notre Dame's quarterback legacy is significant, as he was one of the early examples of a quarterback winning the Heisman for the Fighting Irish.

Tom Clements (1972-1974)

Tom Clements led Notre Dame to a national championship in 1973, going undefeated that season. His career stats include 3,954 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and 29 interceptions. His leadership and accuracy were vital in those championship years, making him one of the unsung heroes in the history of Notre Dame quarterbacks. Clements might not have the name recognition of some others, but his contributions to Notre Dame's success are undeniable.

Jimmy Clausen (2007-2009)

Jimmy Clausen's career at Notre Dame is a tale of talent amidst a challenging team environment. He amassed 8,148 passing yards and 60 touchdowns, with a completion percentage of 62.6%, which ranks him near the top in several Notre Dame passing categories. His junior year was particularly notable, where despite a losing record, he threw for 3,722 yards and 28 touchdowns. His performance during this period, marked by his precision and poise, makes him a notable figure in Notre Dame's quarterback history.

Notre Dame's quarterback history is rich with players who have not only excelled in college but also left their mark in professional football. From Joe Montana's legendary comebacks to Brady Quinn's record-breaking performances, each quarterback brought unique skills and leadership to the field. This collection of players showcases the evolution of the quarterback position at Notre Dame, from versatile athletes like Paul Hornung to traditional passers like Quinn. Their legacies are not just in their stats or accolades but in how they've shaped the game and inspired future generations of Fighting Irish quarterbacks.