The 1924 Notre Dame football season stands as one of the most iconic chapters in the storied history of Notre Dame football. Under the guidance of head coach Knute Rockne and led by the legendary “Four Horsemen,” the Fighting Irish captured the program’s first consensus national championship, setting a precedent for excellence that still echoes through the sport today.
This season not only brought national acclaim to Notre Dame but also solidified Rockne’s reputation as one of the greatest coaches in the history of football. It was a year of precision, dominance, and unforgettable performances that left a permanent mark on the college football landscape.
A Season of Perfection
Entering the 1924 season, Notre Dame was already a force to be reckoned with. Under Rockne, the program had steadily risen to national prominence. The 1924 team, however, was a remarkable collection of talent, headlined by the backfield quartet of Harry Stuhldreher, Jim Crowley, Don Miller, and Elmer Layden — famously nicknamed the “Four Horsemen” by sportswriter Grantland Rice.
The team opened the season with a 40-0 drubbing of Lombard College on October 4, 1924, showcasing a potent offense that would become a hallmark of the year. The Irish followed this performance with decisive wins over Wabash (34-0) before the legendary showdown with Army.
The 1924 Notre Dame vs. Army game, played on October 18 at the Polo Grounds in New York City, is one of college football’s most iconic matchups. It showcased Notre Dame’s legendary “Four Horsemen” backfield, who led the team to a 13-7 victory.
Notre Dame’s relentless schedule continued as they faced more formidable opponents, including Wisconsin and Nebraska. In a road game against Wisconsin on October 25, the Irish secured a 38-3 victory, once again displaying their offensive and defensive prowess. The November 15 clash with Nebraska proved to be a tougher test, but Notre Dame prevailed 34-6, continuing their unbeaten streak.
| Date | Opponent | Site | Result |
| October 4 | Lombard | Cartier Field Notre Dame, IN | W 40–0 |
| October 11 | Wabash | Cartier Field Notre Dame, IN | W 34–0 |
| October 18 | at Army | Polo Grounds New York, NY (Rivalry) | W 13–7 |
| October 25 | at Princeton | Palmer Stadium Princeton, NJ | W 12–0 |
| November 1 | Georgia Tech | Cartier Field Notre Dame, IN (Rivalry) | W 34–3 |
| November 8 | at Wisconsin | Camp Randall Stadium Madison, WI | W 38–3 |
| November 15 | Nebraska | Cartier Field Notre Dame, IN | W 34–6 |
| November 22 | at Northwestern | Municipal Grant Park Stadium Chicago, IL | W 13–6 |
| November 29 | at Carnegie Tech | Forbes Field Pittsburgh, PA | W 40–19 |
| January 1, 1925 | vs. Stanford | Rose Bowl Pasadena, CA (Rose Bowl). (Rivalry) | W 27–10 |
Grantland Rice and the “Four Horsemen”
One of the most enduring legacies of the 1924 season comes from the poetic description by Grantland Rice. After Notre Dame defeated Army 13-7 at the Polo Grounds on October 18, Rice penned one of the most famous lines in sports history:
“Outlined against a blue, gray October sky, the Four Horsemen rode again. In dramatic lore, they are known as famine, pestilence, destruction, and death. These are only aliases. Their real names are Stuhldreher, Miller, Crowley, and Layden.”
This vivid imagery immortalized the backfield and added a mythical quality to the team’s dominance. The nickname stuck, and the Four Horsemen became synonymous with Notre Dame football and its unparalleled excellence.
The Crowning Moment: The 1925 Rose Bowl
Despite their regular-season success, Notre Dame had one more hurdle to clear to secure their national championship status: the Rose Bowl. On January 1, 1925, the Irish faced Stanford, led by legendary coach Pop Warner and star back Ernie Nevers.
The game was a clash of titans, with Notre Dame’s balanced attack and suffocating defense matching up against Stanford’s powerhouse rushing game. The Irish jumped out to an early lead, with Elmer Layden scoring two of Notre Dame’s touchdowns, including a 78-yard interception return.
While Nevers showcased his brilliance by accounting for nearly all of Stanford’s offensive production, the Notre Dame defense held firm when it mattered most. The Irish emerged victorious with a 27-10 win, capping their perfect season and securing their claim to the national championship.
Rockne’s Masterpiece
Knute Rockne’s influence on the 1924 team cannot be overstated. Known for his innovative coaching methods, Rockne was a master strategist and motivator. He emphasized precision in execution, conditioning, and discipline, creating a team that played with remarkable cohesion.
The 1924 team also benefited from Rockne’s ability to adapt to his players’ strengths. While the Four Horsemen drew most of the attention, the team’s success was built on the contributions of the entire roster, including linemen like Adam Walsh and Edgar Miller, who dominated in the trenches.
Legacy of the 1924 Team
The 1924 Notre Dame team finished the season with a perfect 10-0 record, outscoring their opponents 285-52. Their national championship was the first consensus title in program history and the beginning of Notre Dame’s rise as a perennial powerhouse in college football.
The Four Horsemen became household names, and their image was immortalized in a now-iconic photograph taken by George Strickler, Notre Dame’s publicity director. Sitting on horseback, dressed in full uniforms, Stuhldreher, Crowley, Miller, and Layden symbolized the strength and unity of the Fighting Irish.
Knute Rockne’s role in the team’s success further elevated his status as a coaching legend. By the time of his tragic death in a plane crash in 1931, Rockne had firmly established Notre Dame as a national brand, and the 1924 season was a cornerstone of his legacy.
Remembering the 1924 Champions
The 1924 Notre Dame football team remains a symbol of excellence and determination. Their perfect season laid the foundation for one of the most successful programs in college football history.
One hundred years later, the legacy of the Four Horsemen, Knute Rockne, and the 1924 championship continues to inspire Notre Dame players and fans alike. It is a reminder of the rich tradition of the Fighting Irish and the enduring spirit that defines the program. During the 2024 season, Notre Dame and Army will face off in Yankee Stadium on November 23 just over 100 years since the famous 1924 showdown with Army that spawned the Four Horsemen.
As fans reflect on the history of Notre Dame football, the 1924 season stands as a shining example of what can be achieved with talent, teamwork, and visionary leadership. It is more than just a championship season—it is a story of legends that will never be forgotten.
