Notre Dame football: Top 10 quarterbacks in program history
By Jacob Wilson
3. Joe Theismann (1968-70)
Joe Theismann, infamously known for one of football’s most grotesque injuries, had a fantastic Notre Dame career considering the level of the game at his time. Theismann would kick off his college career as a sophomore, accruing 451 yards, two touchdowns, and five interceptions as the aforementioned Hanratty’s successor.
Theismann would put forth a stronger effort as a junior, finishing the year with 1,531 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions as a full-time starter, but still failed to take the Irish to the promised land. In 1970, however, Theismann would lead the Irish to a second place finish after taking down No. 1 Texas in the Cotton Bowl.
Theismann would round out his senior year with career totals of 4,411 yards, 46 total touchdowns, and 35 interceptions. In terms of awards, Theismann would earn All-American honors in his final season with the Irish before being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2003. Theismann would finish with only three losses over his entire Notre Dame career.