There was never any debate.
Manti Te'o is the greatest Notre Dame football player of the 21st century.
When Te'o arrived in South Bend from Hawaii in 2009, expectations were sky-high. By the time he left four years later, he had become one of the most decorated defensive players in the history of college football and the face of Notre Dame's return to national prominence.
Te'o wasn't just an elite linebacker—he was the heartbeat of the Fighting Irish.
From 2010 through 2012, he led Notre Dame in tackles for three consecutive seasons, finishing his career with 437 total tackles, the third-most in school history, along with 8 interceptions, the most ever by a Notre Dame linebacker. His instincts, leadership, and ability to make game-changing plays made him one of the most feared defenders in the nation.
His legendary 2012 season cemented his place among the all-time greats.
As captain of an undefeated Notre Dame team that advanced to the BCS National Championship Game, Te'o recorded 113 tackles and seven interceptions, an astonishing total for a linebacker. He became the first linebacker in more than a decade to lead the nation in takeaways while anchoring one of the country's most dominant defenses.
The awards that followed were unprecedented.
Te'o became a Unanimous All-American and swept virtually every major defensive honor in college football, winning the:

• Butkus Award
• Bronko Nagurski Trophy
• Chuck Bednarik Award
• Lott IMPACT Trophy
• Lombardi Award
• Maxwell Award
• Walter Camp Player of the Year

To this day, he remains the only player in college football history to win all seven of those major awards in the same season.
Perhaps even more remarkable, Te'o finished second in the 2012 Heisman Trophy voting, becoming the first primarily defensive player in decades to seriously contend for college football's highest individual honor. His runner-up finish remains the highest ever by a defensive player under the modern voting format.
Why He's #1Notre Dame has produced Heisman Trophy winners, national champions, Hall of Famers, and NFL legends.
But no player since 2000 has meant more to the Fighting Irish than Manti Te'o.
He restored belief in the program.
He led by example.
He dominated every Saturday.
And he helped carry Notre Dame back to the national championship stage.
His résumé is unmatched. His leadership was unquestioned. His impact is still felt in South Bend today.
For those reasons, Manti Te'o is the No. 1 player on We Are ND Nation's Top 9 Notre Dame Players Since 2000.

When Notre Dame football needed a leader to help bring the program back into the national spotlight, Brady Quinn answered the call.


One of the most accomplished quarterbacks in Fighting Irish history, Quinn combined a powerful arm, exceptional football IQ, and unwavering leadership to become the face of Notre Dame football during the mid-2000s. Under head coach Charlie Weis, he transformed into one of the nation's elite quarterbacks and restored excitement to Irish football.


By the time he graduated, Quinn had rewritten the Notre Dame record book. He set 36 school records, including career marks for passing yards (11,762), completions (929), touchdown passes (95), and pass attempts (1,602). He also tied the school record with 29 career victories as a starting quarterback, cementing his place among the program's all-time greats.


Quinn's 2005 and 2006 seasons were among the finest ever by an Irish quarterback. He led Notre Dame to back-to-back BCS bowl appearances, finished fourth in the 2005 Heisman Trophy voting and third in 2006, and earned First-Team All-American honors during his senior season. His ability to dissect defenses and deliver in clutch moments made him one of the most feared quarterbacks in college football.


Some of Quinn's most memorable performances came under the brightest lights. Whether it was throwing for 487 yards and five touchdowns against Michigan State, engineering dramatic comeback victories, or building an unforgettable connection with wide receiver Jeff Samardzija, Quinn consistently delivered moments that Notre Dame fans still talk about today. During his career, he became the first Irish quarterback to throw for more than 400 yards in five different games and set numerous single-game and single-season passing records.
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Why He's #3Brady Quinn didn't just put up eye-popping numbers—he helped restore Notre Dame's national relevance. His leadership, toughness, and record-setting production made him one of the defining players of the 2000s and one of the greatest quarterbacks ever to wear the Blue and Gold.
For his remarkable career and lasting impact on the program, Brady Quinn earns the No. 3 spot on We Are ND Nation's Top 9 Notre Dame Players Since 2000.

Some players dominate.
Quenton Nelson intimidated.
The moment No. 56 stepped onto the field, opposing defensive linemen knew they were in for a long afternoon. With unmatched power, relentless intensity, and a nasty streak that became his trademark, Nelson developed into one of the greatest offensive linemen in Notre Dame history.
After earning a starting role as a sophomore, Nelson anchored the left side of the Irish offensive line for three seasons, becoming the foundation of one of the nation's most physical rushing attacks. Alongside fellow All-American Mike McGlinchey, he helped transform Notre Dame into one of college football's premier offensive lines.
His senior season in 2017 was nothing short of dominant.
Nelson was named a Unanimous First-Team All-American, becoming the first Notre Dame offensive lineman to earn unanimous All-America honors since Aaron Taylor in 1993. He also served as a team captain and helped lead an Irish offense that ranked among the nation's best in rushing, averaging more than 270 rushing yards per game.
Perhaps most impressive was his consistency in pass protection.
Over more than 2,300 career offensive snaps, Nelson surrendered only two sacks, with none allowed during his final two seasons. His dominance earned him recognition as one of the highest-graded offensive linemen in the country and made him a finalist for the Outland Trophy, awarded to the nation's top interior lineman.
His physical style of play became legendary.
Whether it was pancaking defenders into the turf or finishing blocks well beyond the whistle, Nelson embodied the toughness and grit that Notre Dame fans have always admired. His highlight reels are filled not with touchdowns, but with devastating blocks that changed the momentum of games.
The Indianapolis Colts selected Nelson with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, validating what Irish fans already knew—he wasn't just the best guard in college football; he was one of the best football players, regardless of position.
Why He's #3Offensive linemen rarely receive the recognition they deserve.
Quenton Nelson made it impossible to ignore him.
His combination of power, technique, leadership, and relentless competitiveness helped redefine Notre Dame's offensive identity during his career. He wasn't just the best guard in college football—he was the heartbeat of the Fighting Irish.
For his dominance in the trenches and his lasting impact on one of Notre Dame's most physical teams of the modern era, Quenton Nelson earns the No. 3 spot on We Are ND Nation's Top 9 Notre Dame Players Since 2000.

Some players are born to play defense.
Xavier Watts became one of the nation's best after switching to it.
Originally recruited as a wide receiver, Watts embraced a position change that completely transformed his career. What followed was one of the most remarkable defensive breakouts in recent Notre Dame history, as he developed into a ball-hawking safety and the leader of one of college football's elite defenses.
Watts exploded onto the national stage during the 2023 season, leading all of FBS with seven interceptions while adding 52 tackles, a forced fumble, and a fumble return for a touchdown. His incredible playmaking ability earned him the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, awarded annually to the nation's top defensive player, making him one of the few Notre Dame defenders ever to claim the prestigious honor. He was also a Unanimous First-Team All-American, cementing his place among the country's elite.
Rather than heading to the NFL immediately, Watts returned for another season and somehow elevated his game even further. In 2024, he became a Consensus First-Team All-American for the second straight year, served as a team captain, and finished with 13 career interceptions, tying for third-most in Notre Dame history while helping lead one of the nation's top defenses. His two consecutive All-America seasons made him the first Irish player since the early 1990s to earn repeat consensus All-America recognition.
What made Watts so special wasn't just the interceptions.
It was his instincts.
His ability to read quarterbacks, close passing windows, and seemingly appear out of nowhere made him one of the most feared safeties in college football. Whether he was delivering a big hit, forcing a turnover, or making a game-saving play, Watts consistently rose to the biggest moments.
Why He's #4Xavier Watts embodies everything Notre Dame fans love—selflessness, perseverance, and excellence. He accepted a position change, worked relentlessly to master it, and became the best defensive player in college football.
His combination of leadership, football IQ, and game-changing production helped define the Marcus Freeman era and earned him a place among the greatest defensive backs ever to wear the Blue and Gold.
For those reasons, Xavier Watts earns the No. 4 spot on We Are ND Nation's Top 9 Notre Dame Players Since 2000.

Some defenders make tackles.
Kyle Hamilton changed games.
From the moment he stepped onto the field in South Bend, it was obvious Notre Dame had landed a once-in-a-generation talent. Standing 6-foot-4 with elite instincts, range, and athleticism, Hamilton could line up anywhere in the secondary and completely erase opposing game plans.
As a true freshman in 2019, Hamilton announced his arrival with four interceptions, including a pick-six against New Mexico on his first defensive snap in Notre Dame Stadium. By the end of the season, he had earned Freshman All-American honors and established himself as one of the brightest young defensive stars in college football.
Hamilton elevated his game even further in 2020, earning First-Team All-ACC and multiple First-Team All-American honors after leading one of the nation's top defenses. His signature performance came in the ACC Championship Game against Clemson, where he recorded 10 tackles, an interception, and a pass breakup while showcasing why he was considered one of the best safeties in America.
Even though a knee injury limited him to just seven games in 2021, Hamilton still earned Consensus First-Team All-American honors. He opened the season with two interceptions against Florida State and continued making highlight-reel plays before the injury cut his final college season short. His impact was so significant that he remained a finalist for the Bednarik Award, despite missing nearly half the season.
Hamilton finished his Notre Dame career with 138 tackles, eight interceptions, and 16 pass breakups, numbers that only tell part of the story. Quarterbacks often avoided throwing in his direction, and offensive coordinators were forced to account for him on every snap because of his ability to cover sideline-to-sideline and make plays all over the field.
Why He's #5Kyle Hamilton wasn't just the best safety in college football during his time at Notre Dame—he was one of the most complete defensive players the program has produced in the 21st century. His rare blend of size, speed, instincts, and football intelligence made him a true game-changer every time he stepped on the field.
For those reasons, Kyle Hamilton earns the No. 5 spot on We Are ND Nation's Top 9 Notre Dame Players Since 2000.

Winning football games is the ultimate measure of a quarterback.
And no quarterback in Notre Dame history won more games than Ian Book.
Often overlooked because he wasn't the flashiest passer or the highest-rated recruit, Book quietly built one of the most accomplished careers ever by a Fighting Irish signal-caller. His leadership, toughness, and ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs helped return Notre Dame to national prominence.
Book finished his career with a 30-5 record as a starting quarterback, making him the winningest quarterback in Notre Dame history. He led the Irish to two College Football Playoff appearances, an undefeated regular season in 2018, and the program's lone appearance in the ACC Championship Game during the 2020 season.
His individual accomplishments were just as impressive.
Book threw for over 8,900 career passing yards, accounted for 72 passing touchdowns—second-most in school history at the time—and set school records for career wins, career interception percentage, and 266 consecutive pass attempts without an interception. He was also a dangerous runner, finishing among Notre Dame's all-time leaders in rushing touchdowns by a quarterback.
In 2020, Book served as a two-time team captain, finished ninth in the Heisman Trophy voting, and earned recognition as a finalist for the Manning Award and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award while guiding the Irish to a landmark regular-season victory over No. 1 Clemson.
Why He's #6Ian Book may never have had the strongest arm or the biggest spotlight, but he consistently found ways to win. He embodied everything Notre Dame looks for in a quarterback: leadership, resilience, intelligence, and the ability to elevate the players around him.
For four seasons, he gave Irish fans stability at the game's most important position and helped usher Notre Dame back into the national championship conversation. That's why Ian Book earns the No. 6 spot on We Are ND Nation's Top 9 Notre Dame Players Since 2000.

Championship-caliber football teams are built in the trenches, and few offensive linemen in Notre Dame history have been as dominant or as dependable as Zack Martin.
A four-year starter at left tackle, Martin became the gold standard for consistency during his career in South Bend. He started a school-record 52 consecutive games, was a two-time team captain, and earned Notre Dame's Offensive Lineman of the Year honor four straight seasons—a testament to the respect he commanded from coaches and teammates alike.
Martin's leadership was instrumental during the Fighting Irish's run to the 2012 BCS National Championship Game, anchoring an offensive line that helped Notre Dame return to the national spotlight. Throughout his career, he routinely shut down some of the nation's premier pass rushers with exceptional technique, athleticism, and football IQ. During his senior season, he allowed no sacks against a schedule loaded with elite defensive talent.
His stellar career culminated in Consensus First-Team All-American honors in 2013, and he became one of the most decorated offensive linemen of his era. A few months later, the Dallas Cowboys selected him with the 16th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, where he would go on to become one of the NFL's premier offensive linemen.
Why He's #7Some players fill the stat sheet.
Offensive linemen rarely get that opportunity.
Instead, Zack Martin built his legacy by doing the little things better than almost anyone who has ever worn the Blue and Gold. His toughness, durability, leadership, and elite play made him the cornerstone of Notre Dame's offensive line for four seasons. He may not have scored touchdowns or made highlight-reel catches, but every successful Irish offense during his career started with No. 70 leading the way.
For those reasons, Zack Martin checks in at No. 7 on We Are ND Nation's Top 9 Notre Dame Players Since 2000.

If there was ever a player who could turn an ordinary play into a highlight-reel touchdown, it was Golden Tate.
One of the most electrifying athletes to wear the Blue and Gold, Tate combined elite speed, incredible balance, and fearless playmaking ability to become one of the greatest wide receivers in Notre Dame history. Every time he touched the football, fans expected something special.
His unforgettable 2009 season remains one of the best ever by an Irish receiver. Tate hauled in 93 receptions for 1,496 yards and 15 touchdowns, setting Notre Dame single-season records for catches and receiving yards while tying the school record for touchdown receptions. He also added two rushing touchdowns and a punt-return score, making him one of the nation's most dangerous all-around offensive weapons.
Those accomplishments earned Tate the 2009 Biletnikoff Award as the nation's top wide receiver, making him the first Notre Dame player ever to win the award. He was also a Consensus First-Team All-American, capping off one of the finest individual seasons in school history.
By the time he left South Bend, Tate had rewritten much of the Notre Dame record book, finishing with 157 receptions, 2,707 receiving yards, and 26 touchdown catches. He departed as the school's career leader in receiving yards while ranking among the program's all-time leaders in receptions and touchdown catches.
Why He's #8: Golden Tate wasn't just a great receiver—he was one of the most explosive playmakers Notre Dame has seen since 2000. Whether it was making impossible catches, breaking tackles, or taking a short pass the distance, Tate had a knack for changing games in an instant. His 2009 campaign remains one of the gold standards for wide receiver play in Notre Dame football history.

We Are ND Nation Top 9 Notre Dame Players of the 2000s#9 – WR Jeff SamardzijaWhen Notre Dame fans think about the Brady Quinn era, one name immediately comes to mind: Jeff "The Shark" Samardzija.
Before becoming a Major League Baseball All-Star, Samardzija established himself as one of the greatest wide receivers in Fighting Irish history. His combination of size, reliable hands, and ability to make contested catches made him Quinn's favorite target and one of the most dangerous receivers in college football.
Samardzija enjoyed a breakout season in 2005, hauling in 77 receptions for 1,249 yards and 15 touchdowns, setting Notre Dame single-season records for receiving yards and touchdown catches. His remarkable season earned him Consensus All-American honors and made him a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, presented annually to the nation's top receiver.
He followed that performance with another outstanding senior campaign in 2006, recording 78 catches for 1,017 yards and 12 touchdowns, becoming the first Notre Dame player to post multiple 1,000-yard receiving seasons. By the end of his career, he left South Bend as the school's all-time leader in receptions (179), receiving yards (2,593), and touchdown receptions (27).
While he ultimately chose a successful Major League Baseball career over the NFL, Samardzija's impact on Notre Dame football remains undeniable. His spectacular catches, clutch performances, and chemistry with Brady Quinn helped restore excitement to the Irish offense during the mid-2000s and cemented his place among the program's all-time great receivers.
Why He's #9: Jeff Samardzija wasn't just an elite playmaker—he redefined what was possible for a Notre Dame wide receiver in the modern era, setting records that stood until another generation of Irish stars came along. For many fans of the 2000s, "The Shark" remains one of the most exciting players ever to wear the blue and gold.