The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are making a major change ahead of the new season of college football kicking off – but not everyone is a fan.
Notre Dame’s football team unveiled a new logo Thursday, revamping its iconic signature Leprechaun.
The team’s new logo features the mythical Irish being toting a football as the athletic department begins a mass overhaul of its sports teams’ identities.
The change is the first in a series of moves which will see more specific marks representing each unique sport on the Fighting Irish’s varsity calendar being released.
The change marks the first time the logo was updated in 60 years. The Fighting Irish have competed under the original design since the 1960s when the logo first appeared on the cover of TIME magazine on November 20, 1964.
And the traditionalists among the Notre Dame fanbase are far from impressed with the upheaval.
Notre Dame’s football team unveiled a new logo, revamping its iconic signature Leprechaun
The team released a new football-themed logo (top) which us a variation on the original fighting Leprechaun (bottom) which debuted in the 1960s
‘Throwing 60 years of tradition out the window. All for money, lame,’ one fan wrote in reaction to the new design on social media.
‘If it ain’t broke don’t fix it,’ another wrote. ‘Fighting Irish logo is the best in all of sports. Alternate logo? Sure.’
‘The libs won again,’ a third claimed. ‘Can’t even fight anymore.’
‘Sixty years of tradition tossed for a rebrand nobody asked for, Notre Dame just risked turning an icon into a gimmick,’ another furious fan fumed.
A fifth argued: ‘Call me old fashioned, but there’s literally no reason to change this iconic logo other than to sell more merch.’
However, others celebrated the change, loving the creative individuality it affords each sports team.
‘I kinda love it. Can’t wait to see fencing and lacrosse,’ a Notre Dame fan wrote in response to the unveiling.
‘That is pretty cool. I love the update,’ agreed another.
The change left Fighting Irish fans divided with some slamming it with others welcomed it
Meanwhile, some were left divided. While they weren’t so opposed to the changeup, they were still bigger fans of the original.
‘Love it! But the original can never be beat,’ one insisted.
‘I think the other one is better but this isn’t terrible,’ admitted another.
The new Leprechaun will feature on the sidelines at home games during this and future seasons, according to Notre Dame’s press release.
‘The Leprechaun represents the tenacious and determined spirit of the Fighting Irish, a relentless desire to seize every opportunity with unity, clarity and purpose though the odds be great or small,’ Notre Dame said in a statement. ‘This logo, drawn from a legacy known around the world, represents Fighting Irish Football.’
The new mark was designed in-house by Fighting Irish Media, with input from the school’s athletic programs. The logos were inspired by photo, fundamentals and running styles from former and current student-athletes.
The football team’s reveal video specifically highlights former Irish wide receiver/running back Raghib Ismail, linebacker Manti Te’o, running back Kyren Williams and defensive back Xavier Watts as its standout inspiration.
Notre Dame will host its first home game of the 2025 season on September 13 when they take on Texas A&M.