The Fighting Irish are turning the spotlight on their legendary former coach, Lou Holtz, with a suite of tributes and a limited‑edition apparel line before facing Miami on Nov. 7.
Key points
- Notre Dame is commemorating Lou Holtz with a new Under Armour apparel line that benefits his family’s charitable foundations.
- Former team captains from Holtz’s era will return to the stadium as flag presenters for the Miami game.
- On‑field tributes include a halftime band segment, a 1812 Overture performance, and "LOU" helmet stickers.
- Holtz’s coaching legacy features a 100‑30‑2 record and the 1988 National Championship.
Notre Dame announced that the football program will honor the late Lou Holtz in the days leading up to its November 7 contest against Miami (FL), according to the university’s official site fightingirish.com.
In partnership with Under Armour, the school has launched the Holtz Collection—a line of apparel created with the Holtz Family that directs proceeds to the Holtz Family Foundation and Holtz’s Heroes, an initiative aimed at preserving the coach’s legacy of "Love, Trust and Commitment."
New Holtz Collection apparel supports the Holtz Family Foundation
A limited‑edition poster, designed by Fighting Irish Media in collaboration with the Holtz Family, will be sold exclusively at the Leep Varsity Shop beginning Friday, while commemorative Yeti cups will be available at stadium concession stands on Saturday for fans who wish to support the foundation.
Former players who served as team captains during Holtz’s tenure—Tony Rice, Byron Spruell and Ricky Watters—have been invited back to act as flag presenters before kickoff, adding a personal touch to the ceremony.
Former captains return as flag presenters
The halftime show will feature a special segment of the band’s performance and a rendition of the 1812 Overture between the third and fourth quarters, both dedicated to Holtz’s memory, and the team has been sporting "LOU" stickers on their helmets all season.
Holtz coached the Irish from 1986 to 1996, compiling a 100‑30‑2 record and guiding Notre Dame to a perfect 12‑0 season and the 1988 National Championship, highlighted by a 31‑30 victory over then‑ranked No. 1 Miami at Notre Dame Stadium. He passed away in March 2026 at age 89.
Reader questions
When is the Notre Dame vs. Miami game?
The game is scheduled for November 7, 2026.
Where can fans purchase the commemorative items?
The limited‑edition poster will be sold at the Leep Varsity Shop starting Friday, and Yeti cups will be available at concession stands inside Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday.
Which former players are attending the tribute?
Tony Rice, Byron Spruell and Ricky Watters, all former captains under Coach Holtz, have been invited back as flag presenters.
Source: fightingirish.com
