Cody Goggin | Missouri State University

Notre Dame is one of the most historic college football programs. Their history dates back to since before sliced bread was a thing and their traditions reflect this history. Plus, who doesn’t love a little leprechaun?

Tradition 1: Play Like a Champion Today Sign
This one may not be the oldest tradition at Notre Dame, but it is easily the most recognizable. No one actually knows the origination of this sign, as coach Lou Holtz found out about it in 1986 when looking at an old picture. Since 1986, the players have touched this sign outside the locker room before every home game. I’m actually thinking about putting one of these up in my bedroom and touching it before every test I take in hopes the luck will rub off on me. Even though the Oklahoma Sooners do this as well, it is easily most recognizable at Notre Dame and in true Catholic fashion we will take credit for it.

Tradition 2: The Player Walk
In my opinion, one of the coolest traditions in college football is the Notre Dame Player Walk. This is a walk that begins right after Mass on Saturday as the players make their way around campus from the Basilica and moving through campus towards the stadium. While on this walk the fans line up to cheer on the players, which is a great way to interact with the team.

Tradition 3: Victory March
Last, but certainly not least, is the Victory March. After a Notre Dame win, which have been hard to come by so far this year, Brian Kelly gives a postgame speech and then presents the top player with the game ball. This player then proceeds to lead the entire team in singing the Victory March. The Victory March is the fight song of Notre Dame that is over 100 years old and one of the most recognizable songs in college football.

For a team with as much tradition as the Irish, there are a lot more traditions than these, but I would say that these are the top three that certainly sum up what a football weekend in South Bend is like.