Nov. 20, 2003
Notre Dame, Ind. – For the fifth consecutive season the Notre Dame football program is the most popular in the country according to The Harris Poll. Notre Dame was first, followed by Florida State, Penn State, Ohio State and Oklahoma. Michigan was sixth, with Miami, Texas, Wisconsin and Florida rounding out the top 10.
Notre Dame has ranked first by fans every year of the poll beginning in 1997. Its loyal alumni, great tradition and the fact the Irish have been on regional or national television in 134 straight games spanning 10 full seasons helps Notre Dame reign at the top of the poll.
Other teams who have appeared every year in the five-year history include Florida State, Ohio State, Penn State and Michigan.