1946 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team


The 1946 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team was an American football team that represented the University of Notre Dame as an independent during the 1946 college football season. In their fourth year under head coach Frank Leahy, the Irish compiled an 8–0–1 and were ranked No. 1 in the final AP Poll. The season also produced the 1946 Army vs. Notre Dame football game, a scoreless tie between undefeated teams ranked No. 1 and No. 2.
The 1946 Notre Dame team dominated both on defense and offense, ranking first nationally in total offense, rushing offense, and total defense. Despite ranking as the nation's top rushing offense, no Notre Dame player ranked among the national rushing leaders, as multiple backs shared the rushing load, including Emil Sitko, Terry Brennan, Jim Mello, Bill Gompers, and John Panelli.
Two Notre Dame players, quarterback Johnny Lujack and tackle George Connor, were consensus first-team picks for the 1946 All-America college football team. Center George Strohmeyer and guard John Mastrangelo also received first-team All-America honors from multiple selectors.
From 1946 to 1949, Notre Dame compiled a 36–0–2 record and claims three national championships. Sports Illustrated rated these Notre Dame teams as the second best sports dynasty of the 20th century and second greatest college football dynasty.

Post-season

Award winners

Source:
NamePositionYear Inducted
George ConnorTackle1963
Zygmont "Ziggy" CzarobskiTackle1977
Bill FischerTackle/Guard1983
Leon HartEnd1973
Frank LeahyCoach1970
Johnny LujackQuarterback1960
Jim MartinEnd/Tackle1995
Emil "Red" SitkoHalfback/Fullback1984

Notre Dame leads all universities in players inducted.

1947 NFL draft

The 1947 NFL Draft was held on December 16, 1946. The following Fighting Irish were selected.
316John MastrangeloTacklePittsburgh Steelers
637George SullivanEndBoston Yanks
13111Bob SkoglundDefensive endGreen Bay Packers
15134John FallonTackleNew York Giants
27250Bob PalladinoBackGreen Bay Packers