Overview
- Notre Dame confirmed on September 2, 2026 that the 2026 Fighting Irish will wear a season-long helmet decal reading “LOU” in white on black with two hand‑shaped 'L' symbols.
- The announcement was posted on the team’s official account and presents the decal as a memorial to Lou Holtz, who died in March 2026 at age 89.
- Holtz coached Notre Dame from 1986 to 1996, led the program to a 12-0 national championship season in 1988, and finished with a 100-30-2 record at the school.
- The tribute arrives as Notre Dame opens the 2026 season ranked No. 4 in the AP Poll and prepares to face Wisconsin at Lambeau Field on September 6.
- Helmet decals are a common way teams honor figures, and Notre Dame’s choice aims to keep Holtz’s legacy visible to players, fans, and recruits throughout the season.