Notre Dame football: Top 10 quarterbacks in program history
By Jacob Wilson
4. Tony Rice (1987-89)
I’ll be the first one to admit it, Tony Rice may be a little high on this list. However, Rice brought the Irish to new heights despite being a run-first quarterback. For perspective, picture Brandon Wimbush beating not only Georgia, but Miami, Stanford, and eventually Alabama too. To an extent, that was Tony Rice. Hopefully that makes him seem more worthy of the No. 4 spot on this list.
Rice earned his first snaps as a sophomore, going 4-2 over six starts in 1987. Rice would struggle as a passer in 1987, but displayed potential as an option quarterback after logging 337 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground. That potential would become reality in 1988 as Rice’s play led the Irish and head coach Lou Holtz to a 12-0 record and National Championship victory.
Related Story: Notre Dame: 5 players to watch this spring
While Rice’s career passing stats weren’t anything special (2,961 yards, 11 touchdowns, 20 interceptions), he’ll go down as one of the most successful Irish quarterbacks ever, finishing with a career 28-3 record as a starter. In addition to his national championship ring, Rice would go on to earn All-American honors and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm award before playing in the CFL.