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Quizzes > Sports

Notre Dame football trivia: How well do you know the Fighting Irish?

Quick, free quiz on Notre Dame trivia. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Leah LuckUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art style teal backdrop with football helmet, inviting Notre Dame trivia and NFL player quiz challenge

This Notre Dame football quiz helps you test your Fighting Irish knowledge across big games, legends, rivalries, and NFL alumni. See how many facts you really know, and learn a few along the way. For more challenges, try our college football quiz, or explore Ohio State football trivia and Indiana Hoosiers football trivia.

What are the official colors of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team?
Navy and Gold
Gold and Green
Green and White
Blue and Gold
The official colors of Notre Dame athletics are blue and gold, chosen in the 19th century to represent the school's Irish heritage. These colors have remained iconic and appear on Notre Dame uniforms, merchandise, and branding. The combination symbolizes both tradition and the Fighting Irish spirit. .
What is the nickname of Notre Dame's football team?
Golden Domers
Fighting Irish
Irish Lads
Shamrockers
Notre Dame teams are widely known as the Fighting Irish, a nickname that gained popularity in the early 20th century and became an official moniker over time. It reflects both the university's heritage and the competitive spirit of its athletic programs. The leprechaun mascot embodies this identity. .
In which stadium do the Fighting Irish play their home games?
Soldier Field
Michigan Stadium
Notre Dame Stadium
Beaver Stadium
The Fighting Irish play their home games in Notre Dame Stadium, which opened in 1930 and is located on the university's campus in South Bend, Indiana. The stadium has undergone several expansions and renovations but remains one of the most storied venues in college football. Its iconic architecture and setting contribute to its revered status. .
Which of these is Notre Dame's traditional rival?
USC Trojans
Clemson Tigers
Alabama Crimson Tide
Ohio State Buckeyes
The rivalry between Notre Dame and USC is one of college football's most historic series, dating back to 1926. Known as the intersectional rivalry, it features annual matchups that draw national attention. The series often influences national championship races. .
Notre Dame football competes as an independent in NCAA Division I FBS. True or False?
False
True
Notre Dame operates as an independent in football, meaning they are not affiliated with any conference at the FBS level. This independence allows flexibility in scheduling and longstanding rivalries. The team still has conference ties in other sports but retains its unique position in football. .
How many national championships has Notre Dame claimed in football?
9
13
11
5
Notre Dame officially claims 11 consensus national championships in football, with titles spanning from 1924 to 1988. While various selectors have awarded additional championships, those 11 are the ones recognized by the university. This total ranks among the highest in college football history. .
What mascot appears on Notre Dame's sidelines during football games?
Shamrock
Golden Dome
Fighting Irishman
Leprechaun
The Notre Dame leprechaun mascot, dressed in green attire, is a staple of the football game experience. Introduced in the 1960s, the leprechaun prances and leads cheers on the sidelines, embodying the Fighting Irish spirit. The live mascot appearance energizes fans and represents school tradition. .
Who is Notre Dame's all-time leading passer in career passing yards?
Johnny Lujack
Justin Fields
Joe Montana
Brady Quinn
Brady Quinn graduated as Notre Dame's all-time leader in career passing yards with 9,131 between 2003 and 2006. His prolific tenure set multiple school records and helped elevate the program nationally. Later quarterbacks have come close, but Quinn's mark remains atop the leaderboard. .
Who was Notre Dame's first Heisman Trophy winner?
Johnny Lujack
Tim Brown
Paul Hornung
Angelo Bertelli
Angelo Bertelli was Notre Dame's first Heisman Trophy recipient, winning the award as quarterback in 1943. His leadership and passing acumen helped the Irish to a strong season during World War II. Bertelli set a precedent for future Notre Dame greats to earn college football's top honor. .
In what year did Notre Dame last win a national championship in football?
1977
1988
2005
1993
Notre Dame's most recent claimed national championship came in 1988 under coach Lou Holtz. That season, the Irish went undefeated and secured the title after a victory in the Cotton Bowl. The 1988 team featured stars like Tony Rice and Tim Brown. .
Which coach led Notre Dame to consecutive national titles in 1946 and 1947?
Frank Leahy
Ara Parseghian
Knute Rockne
Lou Holtz
Frank Leahy coached Notre Dame from 1941 to 1953 and secured national championships in 1943, 1946, 1947, 1949, and 1953. His back-to-back titles in 1946 and 1947 cemented his reputation as one of the greatest coaches in school history. Leahy's teams were known for dominant lines and disciplined play. .
The Notre Dame marching band is famously called what?
Golden Band
The Band of the Fighting Irish
Notre Dame Symphonic Band
Irish Marchers
Known as The Band of the Fighting Irish, Notre Dame's marching band dates back to 1845 and performs at football games and special events. Its repertoire includes the traditional fight song, alma mater, and other spirited pieces. The band's green and gold uniforms match the team's colors. .
Who won the Heisman Trophy in 1987 while playing for Notre Dame?
Tim Brown
Golden Tate
Frank Gore
Raghib Ismail
Tim Brown, a dynamic wide receiver, won the Heisman Trophy in 1987 after a stellar season with Notre Dame. He recorded over 1,800 all-purpose yards and 12 touchdowns that year. Brown's exceptional play led the Irish to a Fiesta Bowl victory to cap the season. .
Notre Dame's leprechaun mascot costume debuted in which decade?
1940s
1950s
1970s
1960s
The live leprechaun mascot first appeared at Notre Dame football games in the 1950s. Students began donning green suits, hats, and shillelaghs to rally the crowd, and the tradition has continued ever since. The mascot has evolved but remains central to the game day experience. .
What is the nickname of the Notre Dame student section at football games?
The Burke
1887 Club
Blue Crew
The Leprechaun Loyal
The Burke is the official student section at Notre Dame football games, named for student enthusiast Jack Burke. Situated behind the south end zone, The Burke is known for its energy and support throughout the game. It contributes significantly to Notre Dame Stadium's home-field advantage. .
Which NFL team drafted Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn?
Chicago Bears
San Diego Chargers
Cleveland Browns
Miami Dolphins
Brady Quinn was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the first round (22nd overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft. He had a standout career at Notre Dame before entering the league. Quinn played for multiple teams over his professional career. .
Against which team did Notre Dame record its highest-scoring game (74 points) in school history in 2012?
USC
Miami
Navy
Stanford
On November 24, 2012, Notre Dame scored 74 points against Navy, marking the highest single-game total in program history. The Irish offense amassed 684 total yards in a lopsided victory. It broke previous scoring records and highlighted the team's dominant performance. .
In what year did Knute Rockne begin his tenure as head coach of Notre Dame football?
1920
1916
1925
1918
Knute Rockne was named head coach of Notre Dame in 1918 after serving as an assistant. He led the program until his untimely death in 1931, compiling a career record of 105 - 12 - 5. Rockne's innovative strategies and winning percentage remain legendary. .
Which player holds the record for most rushing touchdowns in a single season at Notre Dame?
Julius Jones
George Gipp
Autry Denson
C.J. Prosise
Autry Denson set the Notre Dame single-season rushing touchdown record with 21 scores in 1995. His performance powered an explosive Irish running attack that season. Denson's mark still stands over two decades later. .
Who is Notre Dame's all-time leading receiver in career receiving yards?
Jeff Samardzija
Theo Riddick
Golden Tate
Calvin Johnson
Golden Tate finished his Notre Dame career with 3,353 receiving yards from 2007 to 2010, the highest total in program history. Tate's combination of speed and hands made him a favorite target over four seasons. He went on to have a successful NFL career. .
In the inaugural Fiesta Bowl on January 1, 1971, Notre Dame faced which opponent?
Alabama
USC
Texas
Arizona State
Notre Dame participated in the very first Fiesta Bowl on New Year's Day 1971, facing Arizona State. Although the Irish lost 45 - 38, the game helped launch what became one of college football's major bowl events. The matchup remains a notable part of Fiesta Bowl history. .
In the 1966 "Game of the Century," Notre Dame and Michigan State played to a famous 10-10 tie. In what year did this game occur?
1964
1962
1968
1966
The Notre Dame vs. Michigan State game on November 19, 1966, ended in a 10-10 tie and was dubbed the "Game of the Century." Both teams were undefeated and ranked No. 1 and No. 2. Notre Dame coach Ara Parseghian elected to run out the clock rather than risk a loss. .
What year did Notre Dame's 43-game undefeated streak against Navy end?
2007
2012
2005
2010
Notre Dame's long unbeaten run against Navy ended on November 3, 2007, when the Midshipmen defeated the Irish 46 - 44. That loss snapped a 43-game streak dating back to 1963. The annual rivalry is one of college football's longest uninterrupted rivalries. .
What is the all-time series record between Notre Dame and Navy as of the end of the 2021 season?
80 - 20 - 2 in favor of Notre Dame
87 - 15 - 1 in favor of Notre Dame
90 - 10 - 0 in favor of Notre Dame
85 - 17 - 0 in favor of Notre Dame
As of the 2021 season, Notre Dame leads its series against Navy by a record of 87 wins, 15 losses, and 1 tie. This matchup is one of college football's longest uninterrupted rivalries, dating back to 1927. Navy's 2007 win ended a decades-long Irish dominance in the series. .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Historic Game Moments -

    Learn the significance of pivotal Notre Dame football quiz highlights, from championship wins to legendary comebacks that shaped Fighting Irish trivia.

  2. Recall Famous NFL Alumni -

    Identify and describe key NFL players from Notre Dame quiz questions, reinforcing your knowledge of gold helmet greats who made it to the pros.

  3. Analyze Fighting Irish Trivia -

    Break down quiz questions to grasp patterns in Notre Dame Fighting Irish trivia, improving your recall of stats, records, and team lore.

  4. Apply College Football Quiz Strategy -

    Use effective test-taking approaches for college football quizzes, boosting your speed and accuracy on Notre Dame football questions.

  5. Evaluate Your Knowledge Level -

    Measure your mastery of Notre Dame football history quiz topics, setting benchmarks for growth and repeat challenges to prove your Fighting Irish IQ.

Cheat Sheet

  1. National Championship Legacy -

    When tackling a Notre Dame football history quiz, start by mastering the Fighting Irish's 11 claimed national titles, second-most in FBS history. A handy mnemonic is picturing "11 shamrocks" circling the Golden Dome to recall iconic championship years (ex: 1943, 1966, 1973, 1977).

  2. Iconic Rivalry: Notre Dame vs USC -

    To boost your Notre Dame Fighting Irish trivia, memorize key dates in the Jeweled Shillelagh showdown, which began in 1926. Use the mnemonic "SHINE" - Scoreless tie (1928), Heisman moment (1958), Irish win (1964), National title clincher (1988), Epic upset (2005) - to anchor those milestone games.

  3. NFL Players from Notre Dame -

    An NFL players from Notre Dame quiz often highlights legends like Joe Montana, Jerome Bettis, and Chris Zorich. Remember "MJZ" as a quick recall: Montana's four Super Bowls, Bettis's 13,662 rushing yards, and Zorich's All-American defense stardom.

  4. Coaching Greats & Win Percentage -

    In any college football quiz, understanding Notre Dame's coaching icons - Knute Rockne (105-12-5), Ara Parseghian (95-17-4), Lou Holtz (100-30-2) - is crucial. Use the formula Win% = Wins ÷ (Wins + Losses) and plug in Rockne's 105/(105+12) ≈ 0.90 to appreciate his .881 win rate.

  5. Traditions & Stadium Landmarks -

    For your next Notre Dame football quiz, study hallowed traditions like Touchdown Jesus, the Golden Dome, and the Four Horsemen backfield of 1924. Picture the mnemonic "4H TD" (Four Horsemen, Touchdown) to lock in that legendary era before kickoff at Notre Dame Stadium.

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