Notre Dame football: Top 10 quarterbacks in program history
By Jacob Wilson
1. Joe Montana (1975-78)
Joe Montana, easily the most well-known quarterback in Notre Dame’s history, paired with Rick Slager to lead the Irish to an 8-3 finish in his sophomore year. Montana would miss the entire 1976 season, but gained full control of the starting job the following year. Despite the year off from football, Montana would throw for 1,604 yards, 11 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
During his junior year, Montana would etch his name in college football history by claiming yet another National Championship for the Irish following a 38-10 victory over No. 1 Texas. Montana’s efforts not only solidified his own legacy, but also spoke volumes for head coach Dan Devine in his first year as a Notre Dame head coach.
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Montana would keep the pace throughout his senior year, but was unable to bring the Irish into championship contention for a second year in a row. Despite finishing his career as one of the best to ever step foot in Notre Dame Stadium, Montana was never dubbed an All-American, thus disqualifying him from being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.