Notre Dame Football’s Legendary Seven: A Look Back at the Iconic Heisman Trophy Winners Who Shaped the Fighting Irish Legacy
Notre Dame Football has long stood as a pillar of tradition, excellence, and dominance in college football. Few programs boast a history as rich, and none more proudly than the Fighting Irish when it comes to the most prestigious individual honor in college football—the Heisman Trophy. Over the decades, seven Notre Dame players have claimed the coveted award, tying the Irish with Oklahoma and Ohio State for the most Heisman winners in college football history. Each winner not only embodied the skill and spirit of Notre Dame but also helped to shape the identity of the sport itself. Their stories are etched in gold, their numbers remembered by generations of fans, and their contributions to the legacy of Notre Dame football are eternal.
The Heisman journey for Notre Dame began in 1943 when Angelo Bertelli, known as the “T-Formation Magician,” captured the award despite playing only six games that season due to his military service. Bertelli, a native of Springfield, Massachusetts, had mastered the revolutionary T-formation offense under head coach Frank Leahy. In those six games, he completed 69 percent of his passes—unheard of at the time—and tossed 10 touchdowns, leading the Irish to a 6-0 record before he was called to duty as a Marine. Even with his early departure, Bertelli had made such a lasting impression on voters that he secured Notre Dame’s first Heisman, ushering in an era of dominance for the Irish.
Just four years later, Johnny Lujack added to Notre Dame’s Heisman legacy. Lujack was the ultimate competitor, a versatile player who starred at quarterback, safety, and even kicker. In 1947, Lujack capped his college career with an undefeated season and a national title. His blend of leadership, athleticism, and intelligence was unmatched, and he became a hero to the Notre Dame faithful. He passed for over 700 yards and rushed for nearly 400 more in an era that was still run-dominant. Lujack’s win represented the perfect harmony between individual excellence and team success—an ideal that defined Notre Dame football.
The 1949 season saw Leon Hart, a 6-foot-5, 250-pound end, become the third Irishman to win the Heisman. Hart remains the only true end to win the award and is the last lineman to receive the honor. What made his case special was not just his physical dominance but his all-around impact on the field. He caught passes, blocked for the run game, and dominated on defense. Hart led the Irish to three national championships during his time in South Bend and was the embodiment of old-school toughness. His Heisman win was a tribute to the complete football player—a nod to an era where iron men played both sides of the ball.
Notre Dame didn’t have to wait long for its fourth Heisman winner. In 1953, John Lattner, a Chicago native, electrified the nation with his incredible versatility. Lattner did it all—running, receiving, returning kicks, playing defense. He was the quintessential all-purpose player and a human highlight reel. In his Heisman-winning season, he amassed over 1,700 all-purpose yards and was a key reason the Irish finished 9-0-1. Lattner’s win was a fan favorite, and he remains one of the most beloved figures in Notre Dame history. His versatility set a precedent for the do-it-all stars who would follow.
It would be over two decades before another Irish player hoisted the Heisman Trophy, but in 1964, John Huarte ended the drought. Under first-year head coach Ara Parseghian, Huarte blossomed into a star. He threw for nearly 2,000 yards and 16 touchdowns—gaudy numbers for the time—and led Notre Dame to a 9-1 record after a string of losing seasons. Huarte’s poise and precision revived the Fighting Irish and signaled the return of Notre Dame football to national prominence. He wasn’t the biggest name entering the season, but by year’s end, he was the biggest story in the sport. Huarte’s win was as much about the resurrection of a program as it was about personal achievement.
The sixth Heisman in Notre Dame lore came in 1973 with the unforgettable John Cappelletti, a player whose story of courage and love captured the hearts of America. (Editor’s Note: Cappelletti actually won the Heisman playing for Penn State. The correct sixth Heisman winner for Notre Dame is Tim Brown in 1987.)
After John Huarte’s win in 1964, the Irish would go more than two decades without a Heisman winner. Then came Tim Brown in 1987—the first wide receiver to win the award in over two decades. Known as “Touchdown Timmy,” Brown was an explosive athlete with game-breaking ability. Whether it was on punt returns, deep routes, or reverses, Brown was a threat to score every time he touched the ball. His flair, speed, and dynamic playmaking captivated fans and voters alike. In his senior year, he racked up over 1,800 all-purpose yards and electrified the college football world. Brown became a symbol of modern-era athleticism and the first wideout to win the Heisman since 1972. He remains a proud ambassador for the Notre Dame program and was later inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Notre Dame’s seventh Heisman winner, Paul Hornung, is one of the most unique figures in the history of the award. Hornung captured the Heisman in 1956 while playing for a 2-8 Notre Dame team—the only player to win the award from a team with a losing record. Known as “The Golden Boy,” Hornung played quarterback, halfback, kicker, and even safety. He did everything for Notre Dame, and his individual brilliance was undeniable. He passed for over 900 yards, ran for more than 400, and scored points in virtually every way possible. His ability to shine in the face of adversity made him stand out. Hornung’s Heisman win challenged the notion that the award must go to a player on a winning team, and his legacy remains one of the most debated—and respected—in the history of the trophy.
Together, these seven men not only brought pride to the Golden Dome but also solidified Notre Dame’s place as a football powerhouse. Their stories span eras—wartime perseverance, post-war dominance, modern flair, and everything in between. Each Heisman winner left a permanent mark, not just on the school but on college football as a whole. They were innovators, warriors, pioneers, and champions.
The Heisman legacy also reflects the values that Notre Dame holds dear—excellence, resilience, leadership, and humility. The university has long stood for more than just wins and trophies; it represents the pursuit of greatness through integrity. Each Heisman winner carried that mission forward, becoming symbols of what’s possible when talent meets purpose.
Today, as Notre Dame continues to compete at the highest levels, young athletes walk through the hallowed halls of the Gug and gaze upon the images of Bertelli, Lujack, Hart, Lattner, Huarte, Hornung, and Brown. They are reminded of what’s possible. They are inspired to reach higher. They are challenged to live up to the legends that wore the gold helmet before them.
There’s always speculation about who could be the next Irish player to bring home a Heisman. Will it be a quarterback with the poise of Lujack or Huarte? A two-way force like Hart or Hornung? A lightning bolt of a receiver like Brown? The Heisman Trophy isn’t just about numbers—it’s about impact. And few programs can claim a more impactful group of winners than Notre Dame.
As the college football landscape continues to evolve with NIL, realignment, and new playoff formats, one thing remains constant: the legacy of the Golden Domers who achieved the highest individual honor in the sport. Their names are carved in bronze, remembered in chants, and honored in every corner of South Bend.
From 1943 to 1987, seven men stood above the rest in college football and became part of a rare brotherhood. Their presence still lingers on fall Saturdays when the Irish take the field. Their spirits ride in every fight song. Their stories are passed from generation to generation. Notre Dame’s seven Heisman winners represent a timeless tradition of football greatness—one that continues to inspire all who wear the blue and gold.
#GoIrish ☘️
