This Saturday marks history—the first time ever that Notre Dame and Arkansas will meet on the football field. With no prior game to revisit, it’s the perfect chance to reflect on one legendary coach who
forever links the two programs: Lou Holtz.
Holtz took over the Arkansas Razorbacks in 1977, leading the program through seven seasons of grit, discipline, and national relevance. His record speaks volumes: 60 wins, 21 losses, and 2 ties, with six bowl appearances, including the 1978 Orange Bowl. His Razorback years set the stage for the impact he would later make at Notre Dame.
After leaving Arkansas in 1983, Holtz found his way to South Bend in 1986. Over the next 11 seasons, he built a resume that remains the gold standard for Irish coaches not named Rockne. His 100-30-2 record, nine consecutive bowl appearances, and of course the perfect 12-0 National Championship season of 1988 cemented his place in Notre Dame lore. Between 1988 and 1993, his teams went on a blistering 64-9-1 run, including a 23-game winning streak.
Holtz’s impact, however, reached far beyond the win-loss column. His greatest legacy lies in the values and life lessons he instilled in his players—principles that continue to guide them long after their playing days ended. Holtz had a gift for taking complex ideas and boiling them down into simple, powerful truths that shaped not just football teams, but lives.
As he often reminded his athletes:
“Do what’s right. Do your best. Show others you care.”
– Coach Lou Holtz
Those lessons are captured in his book, Winning Every Day, The Game Plan For Success, where he offers wisdom that applies as much to life as it does to sport. For example:
Every Victory is Won Before the Game is Played: The Power of Attitude – “Your talent determines what you can do. Your motivation determines how much you are willing to do. Your attitude determines how well you do it. For example, image you’re a high jumper with the musculature to leap 6’10”. Your pride of performance motivates you to practice and enter events. But if, on the day of the event, you don’t believe you can hit 6’10”, you’re going to fall short of the mark. Your negative attitude will cut inches from your performance. However, compete with certitude that you will clear 6’10” and you will consistently match or better your expectations. A positive attitude is key to attaining superior altitude.“
And another reminder on discipline and respect:
Penalty Called for Lateness – “Every athlete at Notre Dame knew our Do Right rules required them to be prompt. When you’re late for an appointment, you are flaunting your disrespect for everyone who arrived on schedule. You are telling them their time has no value. No one has the right to do that. When you agree to arrive anywhere at a specific time, you have given your word. Honor it. It may seem like a small thing, but remember how important it is to concentrate on fundamentals. Think of those people of whom it is said, “He (or she) is always late.” Is that someone you would trust or rely on for anything? Is that what you want people to say about you?“
Today, that spirit lives on through the Holtz’s Heroes Foundation, a nonprofit created by his former players to preserve the values of Love, Trust, and Commitment. The foundation supports former student-athletes in need, funds scholarships for youth, and continues the work of building teams and communities grounded in service.
As Notre Dame and Arkansas line up against each other for the first time, it’s hard not to think of the man who gave both programs lasting lessons in leadership, toughness, and faith. Coach Holtz famously said:
“I can’t believe that God put us on this earth to be ordinary.”
This weekend, two proud programs collide for the first time, carrying with them the extraordinary legacy of the coach who helped shape them both.
🏈 Special Friday Night Event
To kick off this landmark weekend, there will be “An Evening with Legends: A VIP Event” on Friday, September 26, starting at 6:00 p.m. CDT, at the Pinnacle Country Club in Rogers, Arkansas.
What to expect:
- Meet & Greet with Coach Lou Holtz & special guests, including former Notre Dame players Josh Lugg, Cole Mabry, Ian Book, Reggie Brooks, Steve Beuerlein, Paul Grasmanis, Frank Stams, Ray Herring II.
- Photo opportunities with Coach Holtz.
- Autographed Lou Holtz souvenir.
- Game day T-shirt & towel.
- Swag bag including a signed copy of Echoes from the Endzone: The Men We Became by Lisa Kelly.
Proceeds from this event go to the Notre Dame Club of Arkansas Scholarship Fund. Grab your tickets here: https://my.nd.edu/networks/events/137841
Cheers & GO IRISH!
