When was the last time Notre Dame played in national championship? Closer look at Fighting Irish's records

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish secured their spot in the College Football Playoff National Championship by defeating Penn State 27-24 in the Orange Bowl on Thursday. The victory gives Notre Dame a chance to end its 37-year national title drought on Jan. 20.

When was the last time Notre Dame played in the national championship?

Notre Dame last played in the 2013 National Championship game, losing to Alabama 42-14. The Fighting Irish have 11 national championships in their history, with the last title coming in 1988 under coach Lou Holtz. That season, Notre Dame capped off a 12-0 season by defeating West Virginia 34-21 in the Fiesta Bowl.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish former head coach Lou Holtz- Source: Imagn

The program reached the College Football Playoff semifinals in 2018 and 2020 but couldn't advance.

For the first time since the CFP format began in 2014, the Fighting Irish are one win away from reclaiming college football's ultimate prize.

Notre Dame's 11 national championships tell a story

Notre Dame's football legacy shines with 23 bowl game victories against 21 losses. The Fighting Irish extended their winning tradition by defeating Indiana in the first round and Georgia in the 2025 Sugar Bowl.

NCAA Football: Orange Bowl-Notre Dame at Penn State - Source: Imagn

Let's look at the program's record in the championship-winning seasons.

• 1924: 10-0
• 1929: 9-0
• 1930: 10-0
• 1943: 9-1
• 1946: 8-0-1
• 1947: 9-0
• 1949: 10-0
• 1966: 9-0-1
• 1973: 11-0
• 1977: 11-1
• 1988: 12-0

Former coach Knute Rockne launched Notre Dame's championship legacy with three national titles (1924, 1929 and 1930.). Frank Leahy surpassed Rockne by securing four championships (1943, 1946, 1947 and 1949) for the Fighting Irish.

Notre Dame won national championships in 1966 and 1973 under Ara Parseghian. They claimed the title in 1977 under coach Dan Devine.