Going into the 1964 season, few knew what to expect from quarterback John Huarte (‘65). The Santa Ana, Calif. native was sidelined with injury for most of his sophomore year, and did not play enough as a junior to earn a monogram from Notre Dame. Head coach Ara Parseghian saw the senior’s potential, and as a starter, Huarte threw for 2,062 yards and 16 touchdowns, while also running for three scores. The Irish finished the season 9-1, and Huarte pulled off one of the biggest Heisman Trophy surprises of all-time. In this ‘Strong and True’ moment, look back on Huarte’s career and memorable season through images from the University of Notre Dame Archives.

1964 Heisman Trophy results
1. John Huarte, Notre Dame (1,026)
2. Jerry Rhome, Tulsa (952)
3. Dick Butkus, Illinois (505)
4. Bob Timberlake, Michigan (361)
5. Jack Snow, Notre Dame (187)
6. Tucker Frederickson, Auburn (184)
7. Craig Morton, California (181)
8. Steve DeLong, Tennessee (176)
9. Cosmo Iacavazzi, Princeton (165)
10. Brian Piccolo, Wake Forest (124)

Quarterback John Huarte’s Heisman Trophy on a table at the Downtown Athletic Club in 1964.

Huarte (#7) and several Fighting Irish players, along with head coach Ara Parseghian at the team’s 1964 media day.

Huarte won the Heisman Trophy before he had actually earned his Notre Dame monogram.

During his Heisman season, Huarte set 12 Irish records.

In the 1964 opener at Wisconsin, Huarte threw for 270 yards and two touchdowns.

Huarte throws a pass against Purdue in 1964. The Irish won, 34-15.

The Irish quarterback finished the 1964 season with 2,062 passing yards and 16 touchdowns.