The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have an unmistakable aura on the field, and a lot of that has to do with those golden helmets that are recognized nationwide. Yet, in the inaugural home game of the newly expanded 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP), fans caught a glimpse of something unexpectedly different.
Throughout the regular season, donning the classic blue or white jerseys, Notre Dame players are all about team spirit — no individual names on the backs of their uniforms. However, for those paying close attention during the CFP battles—whether it was their clash against Indiana, the showdown with Georgia, or the thrilling semifinal against Penn State—a change was visible. Personalized jerseys made their debut. Riley Leonard, Jeremiyah Love, and the rest of the squad showcased their names, signaling a rare departure from the school’s long-standing traditions surrounding its uniforms.
Yet, it’s not so much a break from tradition as an embrace of another cherished one, as revered as the university’s own Touchdown Jesus. This jersey-name phenomenon is well-steeped in Notre Dame history and symbolizes something more than meets the eye.
Why add names to Notre Dame jerseys in the CFP, you ask? Simple—it’s part of their storied tradition. While the regular season sticks to that iconic look—blue or white with the prestigious gold helmets and pants—the postseason brings a symbolic shift. From bowl games to playoff matches, the players’ names proudly appear on their jerseys. It’s a practice that stretches back through their history, like during the 2012 BCS Championship game featuring former quarterback Everett Golson.
This tweak doesn’t abandon the classic Notre Dame look. It merely adds a special touch to highlight the significance of the postseason. It resonates with the sentiment that these games are pivotal and enhances the sense of achievement for the players. Earning your name on a Notre Dame jersey is akin to earning a badge of honor—it comes with accessing the prized postseason stage.
