Notre Dame to Honor Lou Holtz with Helmet Decal in 2026
Notre Dame will honor late coach Lou Holtz with a special helmet decal during the 2026 season.

The update
Notre Dame plans to honor former head coach Lou Holtz with a specialized decal on its iconic gold helmets during the 2026 season. The design features the letters “LOU” in white, cap-sized letters with a black background and two hands with fingers pointing up. Holtz died in March at age 89.
Why it matters
Holtz spent 11 seasons at Notre Dame (1986-96), compiling a 100-30-2 record and leading the program to its 11th national championship in 1988. He is credited with restoring the Fighting Irish as a premier national brand and is the only coach to guide six different programs to bowl games. The decal serves as a visual tribute to his legacy and impact on the program.
What to watch
It remains unclear whether the decal will be worn for all home games, all road games, or just specific matchups. The specific design elements and the full scope of the tribute are also points of interest for fans.
Sources
- cbssports.com — Design details of the decal and Holtz's coaching record at Notre Dame.
- Fighting Irish Wire — Confirmation of the decal's design and Holtz's passing.
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