Ranking Notre Dame’s Best Players Since 2000: The Top Five

5. Golden Tate, 2007-2009, Wide Receiver

4. Jeff Samardzija, 2003-2006, Wide Receiver

A two-sport star, Samardzija eventually went pro in the sport that might have been his second-best. Samardzija showed flashes as a sophomore in 2004, but turned into a star his junior year. The Valparaiso, Indiana native hauled in 2,593 receiving yards during his career, totaling 27 touchdown receptions between 2005 and 2006, both seasons that he finished with All-American honors.

3. Quenton Nelson, 2014-2017, Offensive Line

When you’re known for being “Offensive Line U” like Notre Dame is, you can bet there would be an offensive lineman in the top five. It was hard to pick one as several were great at Notre Dame before starring in the NFL, but Quenton Nelson was one of those who was even a hair more special. Whether it was pass protection, blitz pickup, or bullying a defender in the run game, Nelson did it all (and continues to for the Indianapolis Colts). Nelson took home All-American honors in 2017 and was drafted sixth overall in 2018, the highest ever selection for an offensive guard.

2. Brady Quinn, 2003-2006, Quarterback

1. Manti Te’o, 2009-2012, Linebacker