INDIANAPOLIS — The spirit of Jim O’Donnell will resonate within Notre Dame Stadium this Friday evening as his family celebrates a moment that honors his legacy. O’Donnell’s son will attend the historic College Football Playoff opening game, which marks the first time in major college football that a playoff game is being held on a campus. Adorned in Indiana’s signature cream-and-crimson, he and his son, Dylan, will also pay tribute to their late patriarch. Dylan will wear the iconic Rudy jacket that belonged to his grandfather, who faced the challenges of dementia before passing away in September at 89.
Jim O’Donnell’s divided loyalty between Indiana and Notre Dame was no secret to his friends and family. It is believed that he would enthusiastically support Notre Dame in this matchup, while playfully pretending to favor Indiana when speaking to Hoosier supporters. “What would he think of this matchup? To tell you the truth, he’d root for Notre Dame in a heartbeat,” reflected Carri O’Donnell. “But anyone at IU who asked him, he would lie to them and say he rooted for IU — and then he would wink at you.” This dynamic encapsulates the essence of the friendly rivalry and deep-rooted pride shared among fans of both universities.
O’Donnell, an Irish Catholic who grew up in northwestern Indiana, was proud of the Notre Dame heritage instilled in him from a young age. However, his heart also resonated with Indiana, demonstrated when he hitchhiked over 200 miles to attend the university in Bloomington. After earning his degree, O’Donnell returned to East Chicago, where his enthusiasm for both teams was emblematic of many Indiana residents. As a faithful Notre Dame season ticket holder from the 1950s through the 2000s, he met every Irish football coach and remained loyal to his Hoosier roots.
In Indiana, sports allegiances abound, with fans proudly supporting Purdue, Indiana, and Notre Dame. Despite these divisions, many maintain a dual allegiance, particularly when it comes to football and basketball. “It’s funny when you look at the state of Indiana, you’ve got your Purdue fans, your IU fans, and your Notre Dame fans, but there’s a lot of people that are Notre Dame football and IU basketball,” noted Irish linebacker Jack Kiser, highlighting the unique sporting culture within the state.
While Indiana’s basketball team has celebrated numerous national championships, their football program had historically struggled until recently. In contrast, Notre Dame boasts a rich football tradition, proudly carrying several national championship titles. The two teams have met more frequently on the basketball court in friendly competition, fostering a sense of camaraderie rather than animosity. Their football meetings have been rare historically, with Notre Dame dominating their matchups. The last time Indiana played in South Bend was in 1991, suffering a 49-27 defeat and having not won since 1950.
Long-time sports editor Bill Bilinski recalls how events such as those basketball games saw numerous Notre Dame fans double up as IU supporters. Alan Bell, a lifetime South Bend resident and Indiana alumnus, fits this mold, having experienced a unique connection to both schools through his family history and personal loyalties. “I will be wearing spirit wear from both schools — some visible and some underneath,” said Bell, conveying the shared sentiment of affection for both institutions.
For the O’Donnell family, this upcoming game signifies more than just a match; it feels profoundly personal. Jim O’Donnell passed away the day before Notre Dame’s notable home opener, a heart-wrenching loss against Northern Illinois. By securing tickets for this significant playoff game, Carri O’Donnell aims to honor her husband by celebrating the two schools he loved so dearly. “He was a principal and when he retired, they gave him the jacket from the movie ‘Rudy,’” she reflected. “He wore it all the time. In the last two years, he would wear his Notre Dame Rudy jacket and then he would cover up with his really heavy IU blanket. But he would never go a day without having something IU or Notre Dame on.”
This intimate connection to both universities and to Jim O’Donnell conveys the true spirit of sports fandom, where passion, legacy, and family intertwine.