Quenton Nelson and Manti Te’o join USA Today all-2000s college football team

USA Today sports writers included two former Notre Dame players on a list of the greatest college football participants from the 2000s. Guard Quenton Nelson was named to the first-team offense, while linebacker Manti Te’o received a spot on the first-team defense. Nelson, a 2018 graduate, earned unanimous All-American status and the Joe Moore Award during his final season with the program. Te’o garnered multiple national accolades in 2012, including the Bednarik, Nagurski, Lombardi, and Butkus awards, while helping lead the Irish to the Bowl Championship Series title game. The list, published September 2, 2026, features players from 19 different schools. It recognizes standout performers who achieved college success during the first 25 years of the century, including numerous Heisman winners and future professional stars.

• 4:54 PMYahoo Sports — USA TODAY tabs two Notre Dame greats for its All-2000s team