2026 Notre Dame Football Schedule Overview

Notre Dame has officially released its 2026 football schedule, and while the slate is packed with familiar power programs and national intrigue, one absence stands out immediately: the Fighting Irish will not face USC this season. It’s a rare pause in one of college football’s most iconic rivalries and gives the 2026 schedule a noticeably different feel. You can thank Lincoln Riley for this.

Here is a brief look at the 2026 Schedule:

For a full detailed look at the 2026 schedule Click Here

Here’s a closer look at each game on the 2026 schedule.

• Sun, Sept. 6 — Wisconsin Badgers

  The season opens with a heavyweight matchup against Wisconsin, setting a physical tone right out of the gate. The Badgers bring toughness, discipline, and a style that demands Notre Dame be ready from snap one. It’s the kind of opener that instantly reveals how real a team’s playoff aspirations might be. This is also the big Shamrock Series game.

• Sat, Sept. 12 — Rice Owls

  Notre Dame returns home the following week to face Rice. While the matchup may look calmer on paper, these games are about execution and focus. Avoiding early-season letdowns is critical, especially with bigger challenges looming.

• Sat, Sept. 19 — Michigan State Spartans

  Michigan State adds a familiar Midwest edge to the schedule. Games against the Spartans are often physical, emotional, and unpredictable. This one has the feel of a mid-September gut check.

• Sat, Sept. 26 — Purdue Boilermakers

  Few opponents know Notre Dame better than Purdue. The in-state matchup always carries extra intrigue, and spoiler energy is never in short supply. Clean football will be essential here.

• Sat, Oct. 3 — North Carolina Tar Heels

  October begins with a matchup against North Carolina, blending speed, skill, and offensive firepower. This game could quietly become one of the most important résumé builders on the schedule.

• Sat, Oct. 10 — Stanford Cardinal

  Stanford and Notre Dame renew their annual chess match. Execution, discipline, and patience usually decide this one, making it a true test of fundamentals and coaching.

• Sat, Oct. 17 — BYU Cougars

  BYU brings a unique challenge with physicality and intensity. This matchup has the feel of a nationally relevant measuring stick, especially as the season moves deeper into the fall. This game actually replaced the USC rivalry game. Once again you thank Lincoln Riley for being afraid to play ND.

• Sat, Oct. 31 — Navy Midshipmen

  A Halloween date with Navy keeps one of Notre Dame’s most meaningful traditions alive. The triple-option demands preparation like no other, and history has shown that nothing comes easy in this series. This game is at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA so this should be a unique and electric setting.

• Sat, Nov. 7 — Miami Hurricanes

  Few games on the schedule carry more flash. Notre Dame vs. Miami is always loud, emotional, and nationally watched. This one could have serious postseason implications. This will definitely the biggest challenge ND faces in 2026. They need to win this one at home.

• Sat, Nov. 14 — Boston College Eagles

  Late-season games against Boston College often turn into gritty battles. Familiarity and toughness define this matchup, especially as wear and tear begin to show across the roster.

• Sat, Nov. 21 — SMU Mustangs

  SMU adds a modern twist to the November slate. This game represents Notre Dame’s evolving national footprint and offers a different stylistic challenge late in the season.

• Sat, Nov. 28 — Syracuse Orange

  The regular season closes against Syracuse, a game that could carry everything from bowl positioning to playoff stakes. Finishing strong has long been a Notre Dame calling card, and this finale offers the chance to do just that.

A Different Feel, Same Expectations

Without USC on the schedule, the 2026 season carries a slightly different energy — fewer nostalgia-driven moments, but no shortage of meaningful tests. The Irish still face a demanding path filled with tradition, national relevance, and postseason implications.

Notre Dame didn’t just release a list of opponents. It revealed a roadmap — one that challenges the program to prove, once again, that it belongs in the center of the college football conversation.