The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame are set to face off against Penn State in the semifinals of the 2024 College Football Playoff. This marks their fourth appearance in the playoff system since its inception in 2014, and the team aims to secure its first CFP title. Notre Dame has already advanced by defeating Indiana and top-ranked Georgia. If they triumph over Penn State, they will move on to the national championship game on January 20th. The university boasts an impressive football history with 11 claimed national titles before the CFP era, led by legendary coaches like Knute Rockne and Lou Holtz. Despite two previous CFP losses, Notre Dame enters this season with high hopes after a strong regular season and playoff performances.

A Century of Excellence: Notre Dame's Championship Legacy

Notre Dame's football tradition stretches back to 1887, and over the decades, the program has achieved remarkable success. Since its inaugural season, the Fighting Irish have claimed 11 national titles, all prior to the establishment of the CFP. These victories were guided by five distinguished coaches who etched their names into college football history. Among them, Knute Rockne is particularly notable for leading the team to three championships in the 1920s. The 1924 squad, which included the legendary Four Horsemen, remains one of the most celebrated teams in college football lore.

The Four Horsemen—Harry Stuhldreher, Elmer Layden, Jim Crowley, and Don Miller—led Notre Dame to a perfect 10-0 record in 1924, culminating in a Rose Bowl victory over Stanford. Their impact extended beyond that season, as each member was eventually inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. Other influential figures include Frank Leahy, Ara Parseghian, Dan Devine, and Lou Holtz, whose leadership brought additional titles to South Bend. The legacy these coaches left behind continues to inspire current players and fans alike.

Modern Challenges: Notre Dame's Recent Playoff Journey

In recent years, Notre Dame has faced significant challenges in the CFP, falling short in both semifinal appearances in 2018 and 2020. In 2018, the Fighting Irish encountered a formidable Clemson team, losing 30-3 in the Cotton Bowl. Clemson, led by quarterback Trevor Lawrence, dominated the game with four touchdowns. Two years later, Notre Dame faced Alabama in the Rose Bowl, suffering a 31-14 defeat. Despite putting up a better fight, the Crimson Tide's star-studded roster, including DeVonta Smith and Mac Jones, proved too powerful.

This year, Notre Dame has shown remarkable resilience. After a surprising loss to Northern Illinois in Week 2, the team rebounded with ten consecutive victories, securing a fifth seed in the playoffs. Key victories over ranked opponents such as Texas A&M, Louisville, Navy, and Army demonstrated their strength. Star quarterback Riley Leonard, in his debut season with Notre Dame, has been instrumental, completing 66.5% of his passes for 2,383 yards and rushing for 831 yards. Running back Jeremiyah Love has also excelled, accumulating over 1,000 yards and scoring 16 touchdowns. Defensively, Xavier Watts has been a standout, ranking second in Division I with six interceptions. With this momentum, the Fighting Irish aim to rewrite their playoff narrative and claim their elusive CFP crown.