Notre Dame
Fighting Irish

Notre Dame Fighting Irish countdown notes

Notre Dame Fighting Irish football is the sport's only true national program — a team with passionate fans in every state and in 120-plus countries, with no geographic conference home to limit its identity. The Irish have claimed 13 national championships, with the Ara Parseghian era (1964–1974) and Lou Holtz's 1988 title representing the program's modern peaks. Notre Dame produces NFL stars in virtually every draft class, from Joe Montana and Paul Hornung through Manti Te'o and Quenton Nelson to the current roster of first-round talents. Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend holds 80,795 and is the sport's most historically significant venue — the house that Knute Rockne built, where the Gipper's ghost still walks the sidelines. The Golden Dome gleams above the campus, visible from miles in every direction, a landmark as recognizable as any in American sports architecture. Notre Dame's decision to remain independent allows it to schedule the sport's most powerful programs nationally. The stadium holds 80,795 in South Bend, IN. Navy's annual game — played every year since 1927 without interruption, including wartime — is one of the sport's most enduring commitments. USC, Michigan, Clemson, and Florida State provide regular Power Four rivalry battles on the Irish's non-conference schedule. The ACC scheduling agreement ensures five annual games against conference opponents, providing regular national exposure.

Use the page during the offseason to track how many days remain, then come back during the season as the clock rolls from one matchup to the next.