The University of Notre Dame has a storied history in college football, with a legacy of national championships, Heisman Trophy winners, and iconic games. However, their most recent appearance in the College Football Playoff National Championship came in the 2018 season.
Notre Dame’s 2018 National Championship Appearance
Notre Dame’s most recent trip to the national championship game came in the 2018 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship. After an undefeated regular season, the Fighting Irish were selected as the No. 3 seed in the four-team playoff. The team, led by head coach Brian Kelly, had an impressive 12-0 record that season, earning a spot in the College Football Playoff for the first time since the playoff system was introduced in 2014.
The Fighting Irish faced off against the No. 2 seed, the Clemson Tigers, in the Cotton Bowl Classic on December 29, 2018. However, Notre Dame’s journey to the national title was halted by Clemson in a one-sided 30-3 loss. Despite their strong regular-season performance, Notre Dame struggled to match Clemson’s physicality and execution in the semifinal.
Historic National Championships
While the 2018 season marked their latest appearance in the championship picture, Notre Dame’s history of national championships stretches back to the early years of college football. The Fighting Irish have won 11 recognized national championships in their history, with titles coming in various years, including notable championships in the 1940s, 1970s, and 1980s.
Some of their most famous national championship teams include:
- 1943: Led by legendary coach Frank Leahy, Notre Dame went undefeated and claimed their first national title.
- 1977: Coached by Dan Devine, Notre Dame won the national championship behind a dominant defense and an offense led by quarterback Joe Montana.
- 1988: Under head coach Lou Holtz, the Irish captured another national championship, featuring a perfect season and a dramatic win over West Virginia in the Fiesta Bowl.
The Road Ahead
While the 2018 season was their last appearance in the national championship picture, Notre Dame remains a perennial contender in college football. With a rich recruiting pipeline, top-tier coaching staff, and a strong tradition, the Fighting Irish will undoubtedly continue to vie for the College Football Playoff and another shot at the national title.
Though they fell short in 2018, Notre Dame fans remain hopeful that their beloved team will return to the big stage and add another national championship to their storied history.