Former Notre Dame stars Manti Te’o and Todd Lyght have been nominated for the College Football Hall of Fame ballot

The College Football Hall of Fame continues to honor the legends who have left an indelible mark on the sport, and this year’s ballot includes two former Notre Dame standouts: Manti Te’o and Todd Lyght. Both players epitomize excellence, leadership, and impact during their collegiate careers, representing different eras but a shared commitment to the Fighting Irish program. Their nominations not only celebrate their individual achievements but also highlight Notre Dame’s enduring legacy as one of college football’s most storied programs.

The College Football Hall of Fame: An Overview

Established in 1951, the College Football Hall of Fame honors players and coaches who have made outstanding contributions to the sport at the collegiate level. Induction into the Hall of Fame is considered one of the highest individual honors in college football, recognizing both athletic achievement and character.

Players are eligible for nomination five years after their final college season, and nominees undergo a rigorous selection process based on on-field performance, sportsmanship, and impact on the game.

This year’s inclusion of Manti Te’o and Todd Lyght on the ballot signals that both players are among the elite who have significantly influenced college football history.

Manti Te’o: The Heart and Soul of Notre Dame’s Defense

Manti Te’o’s name is synonymous with leadership and resilience. His career at Notre Dame (2009–2012) was marked by spectacular play, emotional depth, and a commitment to the team that endeared him to fans and teammates alike.

Career Highlights:

• Position: Linebacker
• Accolades: Heisman Trophy finalist (2012), Butkus Award winner (nation’s top linebacker), consensus All-American multiple years, captain of the 2012 team
• Impact: Te’o was the centerpiece of Notre Dame’s defense during some of the most successful seasons in recent history, including the 2012 squad that finished undefeated in the regular season and played for the national championship.

Te’o’s playing style combined physical toughness, instinct, and exceptional football intelligence. He was known for his sideline-to-sideline range, tackling ability, and leadership on and off the field.

Beyond statistics, Te’o’s inspirational role as a team captain and his public battle with personal tragedy — which unfolded during his senior season — captured national attention and exemplified courage and perseverance.

Manti Te’o’s Legacy at Notre Dame

Te’o finished his collegiate career with over 500 tackles, ranking among the top in Notre Dame history. His presence elevated Notre Dame’s defense to one of the nation’s best, and his leadership helped restore the program’s competitiveness on the national stage.

His nomination for the College Football Hall of Fame honors not just his on-field performance but his character and the way he represented Notre Dame and college football.

Todd Lyght: A Defensive Back with an NFL Career and College Impact

Todd Lyght’s career at Notre Dame (1985–1988) helped define an era of Irish football marked by dominance and flair. A standout cornerback, Lyght was a shutdown defender and a playmaker in the secondary.

Career Highlights:

• Position: Cornerback
• Accolades: Two-time consensus All-American, Jim Thorpe Award finalist, integral part of Notre Dame’s 1988 national championship team
• NFL Career: Lyght was a first-round NFL draft pick and enjoyed a productive professional career, primarily with the St. Louis Rams.

Lyght’s combination of speed, agility, and instincts made him a nightmare for opposing receivers. He was known for his ability to anticipate plays, break up passes, and contribute on special teams and as a punt returner.

Todd Lyght’s Role in Notre Dame’s National Championship

Lyght was a crucial component of the 1988 Notre Dame team that captured the national title under coach Lou Holtz. His defensive prowess helped the Irish hold opponents to low scoring and maintain ball control. Lyght’s excellence helped establish Notre Dame as a defensive powerhouse during his tenure.

His Hall of Fame nomination recognizes his dominant collegiate performance and his status as one of the top defensive backs in Notre Dame history.

Notre Dame’s Rich History of Hall of Famers

Notre Dame has long been a pipeline for football greatness, producing numerous College Football Hall of Famers across multiple eras. The inclusion of Te’o and Lyght continues this tradition and highlights the program’s commitment to developing players who excel athletically and personally.

Past Notre Dame inductees include legends like Knute Rockne, Joe Montana, Paul Hornung, and Jerome Bettis, among many others. Te’o and Lyght are now poised to join this prestigious fraternity.

What This Nomination Means for Notre Dame

The nominations are a source of pride for the Notre Dame community — players, coaches, alumni, and fans. They reinforce the program’s reputation for nurturing talent and producing leaders on and off the field.

For the current roster and recruits, seeing former Irish greats recognized at this level can be an inspiration, reminding them of the legacy they inherit and the standards they must uphold.

The Road Ahead: What to Expect from the Selection Process

While being on the ballot is a significant honor, induction into the Hall of Fame is a highly competitive process. Voters consider career achievements, sportsmanship, impact on the program, and post-college contributions to the sport.

Both Te’o and Lyght bring strong resumes, and their candidacies will be closely watched by Notre Dame faithful and college football fans nationwide.

Should they be inducted, their names will be immortalized alongside the sport’s greatest figures, cementing their legacies forever.

The Broader Impact: Celebrating Character and Excellence

The College Football Hall of Fame is not only about statistics and awards; it’s also about honoring players who exemplify integrity, leadership, and the positive impact football can have on individuals and communities.

Manti Te’o’s story of overcoming adversity and leading with heart, alongside Todd Lyght’s excellence and professionalism, underscore these values.

Their nominations serve as a reminder of college football’s power to shape lives and inspire beyond the gridiron.

The inclusion of Manti Te’o and Todd Lyght on the College Football Hall of Fame ballot is a fitting tribute to two outstanding Notre Dame players who have left lasting legacies. Their careers exemplify the qualities that Notre Dame football stands for: excellence, leadership, and resilience.

As fans await the final selections, the nominations themselves celebrate their tremendous contributions to Notre Dame and college football. Whether or not they are ultimately inducted, their impact is undeniable, and their stories continue to inspire generations of players and fans alike.

Notre Dame’s tradition of greatness marches on with players like Te’o and Lyght paving the way, reminding us all why college football remains a beloved and cherished part of American sports culture.