1953 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team


The 1953 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team represented the University of Notre Dame as an independent during the 1953 college football season. Led by Frank Leahy in his 11th and final season as head coach, the Fighting Irish compiled a record of 9–0–1. John Lattner won the Heisman Trophy although he did not even lead the Irish in passing, rushing, receiving or scoring. Lattner held the Notre Dame record for all-purpose yards until Vagas Ferguson broke it in 1979.

Roster

Asterisk * denotes offensive starter

Game summaries

Oklahoma

Don Penza blocked and recovered a kick to set up one touchdown and recovered a fumble that led to another Notre Dame score.

Team players drafted into the NFL

The following players were drafted into professional football following the season.
Art HunterT13Green Bay Packers
Johnny LattnerRB17Pittsburgh Steelers
Neil WordenB19Philadelphia Eagles
Jim SchraderC220Washington Redskins
Fran PaterraB442Chicago Bears
Menil MavraidesG445Philadelphia Eagles
Tommy McHughB662Chicago Cardinals
Joe KatchikE10118Los Angeles Rams
Sam PalumboG15179San Francisco 49ers
Don PenzaE18211Pittsburgh Steelers
Entee ShineE27322Los Angeles Rams
Joe BushG28331Pittsburgh Steelers

Awards and honors