Notre Dame 2026 Football Schedule Breakdown, Predictions and Prop Bets

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish enter the 2026 college football season with a schedule that blends historic rivalries, high-profile neutral-site games and several late-season matchups that could determine their College Football Playoff future.

Notre Dame will play six games at Notre Dame Stadium, four true road games and two neutral-site contests. The Irish will face three Big Ten opponents, six ACC programs, BYU from the Big 12, Rice and longtime rival Navy. Five games will feature rivalry trophies: Michigan State, Purdue, Stanford, Navy and Boston College.

The schedule does not contain the weekly grind faced by programs in the SEC or Big Ten, but it includes enough challenging opponents to punish an inconsistent team. Notre Dame must navigate a Sunday night opener against Wisconsin, consecutive road games at Purdue and North Carolina, a difficult trip to BYU and a championship-defining November that includes Miami and SMU.

Notre Dame 2026 Football Schedule

Date Opponent Location Time and TV

Sunday, Sept. 6 Wisconsin Lambeau Field, Green Bay7:30 p.m., NBC/Peacock

Saturday, Sept. 12 RiceNotre Dame Stadium3:30 p.m., NBC/Peacock Saturday,

Sept. 19 Michigan State Notre Dame Stadium7:30 p.m., NBC/Peacock Saturday,

Sept. 26 at Purdue Ross-Ade Stadium TBA Saturday,

Oct. 3 at North Carolina Kenan Memorial Stadium TBA

Saturday, Oct. 10 Stanford Notre Dame Stadium3:30 p.m., NBC/Peacock

Saturday, Oct. 17 at BYU La Vell Edwards Stadium TBA

Saturday, Oct. 24 Bye week——

Saturday, Oct. 31 Navy Gillette Stadium, Foxborough Noon, ABC or ESPN Saturday,

Nov. 7 Miami Notre Dame Stadium7:30 p.m., NBC/Peacock Saturday,

Nov. 14 Boston College Notre Dame Stadium3:30 p.m., NBC/Peacock Saturday,

Nov. 21 SMU Notre Dame Stadium7:30 p.m., NBC/Peacock Saturday,

Nov. 28 at Syracuse JMA Wireless Dome TBA

Notre Dame’s Shamrock Series matchup against Wisconsin and all six games at Notre Dame Stadium will air on NBC and Peacock. The neutral-site Navy game is scheduled for noon on either ABC or ESPN.

September 6: Wisconsin at Lambeau Field

Notre Dame will begin the season on a massive stage when it faces Wisconsin in the Shamrock Series at Lambeau Field.

The Irish will technically serve as the home team, but the location should produce a strong Wisconsin presence and an atmosphere closer to a bowl game than a traditional season opener. The matchup was originally scheduled for 2020 before being postponed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Notre Dame won the first game of the rescheduled series 41-13 at Soldier Field in 2021.

Wisconsin will attempt to make the game physical, control the clock and prevent Notre Dame from establishing an early offensive rhythm. Season openers frequently produce mistakes, penalties and inconsistent execution, making this game more dangerous than the overall talent comparison might suggest.

Notre Dame should have enough depth to take control during the second half, but the Irish cannot afford to give Wisconsin confidence with turnovers or special-teams mistakes.

Difficulty level: Moderate

September 12: Rice

Notre Dame will have only six days to prepare for its home opener against Rice after playing Wisconsin on Sunday night.

The shortened week is not ideal, but Rice represents the most manageable opponent on the schedule. Notre Dame should possess major advantages in overall talent, depth and physicality.

The Irish are 5-0 all-time against Rice, including a 3-0 record at Notre Dame Stadium. The programs last played in 2014.

Notre Dame should use this game to sharpen its execution, develop younger players and establish additional depth before Michigan State arrives in South Bend.

Difficulty level: Low

September 19: Michigan State

Notre Dame and Michigan State will renew the Megaphone Trophy rivalry for the first time since 2017.

The prime-time environment should give the Irish a significant home-field advantage, but Michigan State has the size and athleticism to make this Notre Dame’s first legitimate test at Notre Dame Stadium.

The rivalry has produced memorable games throughout its history, and Michigan State will arrive with an opportunity to make a national statement. Notre Dame cannot treat the Spartans like an ordinary nonconference opponent.

The Irish should have the stronger roster, but they must protect the football and prevent Michigan State from generating explosive plays.

Difficulty level: Moderate

September 26: at Purdue

Notre Dame will play its first true road game against in-state rival Purdue.

The Irish have won 10 consecutive games in the series and recorded a dominant 66-7 victory during their most recent trip to Ross-Ade Stadium in 2024.

Notre Dame should be a substantial favorite, but rivalry road games can become uncomfortable when the favored team starts slowly. Purdue will have little to lose, and defeating Notre Dame would transform the direction of its season.

The Irish must avoid overlooking the Boilermakers with another road game scheduled for the following week.

Difficulty level: Low to moderate

October 3: at North Carolina

Notre Dame’s second consecutive road game comes against North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

The Irish won their most recent trip to Kenan Memorial Stadium 45-32 in 2022 and hold a commanding advantage in the all-time series.

North Carolina’s offensive personnel and home-field environment could create problems, especially if Notre Dame enters the game physically or emotionally drained after facing Purdue.

The Tar Heels may have difficulty matching Notre Dame’s depth for four quarters, but they should be capable of challenging the Irish through the passing game. A few defensive breakdowns could quickly turn this into a high-scoring contest.

This is one of the most likely trap games on the schedule.

Difficulty level: Moderate

October 10: Stanford

Notre Dame will return home to face Stanford in the battle for the Legends Trophy.

The Irish should hold significant advantages along both lines of scrimmage, but Stanford has occasionally caused problems for highly ranked Notre Dame teams. The Cardinal will attempt to slow the game down, limit possessions and force the Irish to sustain long scoring drives.

Notre Dame cannot spend the afternoon looking ahead to its road game against BYU. A decisive victory would allow the Irish to build momentum before the schedule becomes more difficult.

Difficulty level: Low

October 17: at BYU

The trip to Provo may be Notre Dame’s most difficult road game of the regular season.

LaVell Edwards Stadium provides BYU with a significant home-field advantage. The altitude, crowd noise and possibility of an evening kickoff could create additional challenges for the Irish.

Notre Dame defeated BYU 28-20 during the 2022 Shamrock Series in Las Vegas, but facing the Cougars in Provo will be a different assignment. This will be only the 10th meeting between the programs.

BYU is capable of matching Notre Dame’s physicality and turning the game into a four-quarter struggle. The Irish must remain disciplined, handle the environment and avoid allowing the Cougars to create momentum through turnovers.

This matchup could become a College Football Playoff elimination game if Notre Dame has already suffered a loss.

Difficulty level: High

October 24: Bye Week

The placement of Notre Dame’s bye week is one of the schedule’s greatest advantages.

The Irish will receive an opportunity to recover after traveling to BYU and before preparing for Navy’s distinctive offense. The additional practice time should help Notre Dame’s defense prepare for the Midshipmen’s option principles, blocking schemes and ball-control approach.

The concern is what happens after Navy. Notre Dame will have only seven days to transition from preparing for Navy’s specialized system to facing Miami’s speed and athleticism.

October 31: Navy at Gillette Stadium

Notre Dame and Navy will meet at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough for the 99th game in their historic rivalry.

It will be the first Notre Dame-Navy game played at Gillette Stadium and Notre Dame’s first appearance at the home of the New England Patriots. The matchup will begin at noon and air on either ABC or ESPN.

The bye week should give Notre Dame enough time to prepare, but Navy remains dangerous because of its discipline, execution and ability to shorten games.

The Irish cannot afford to become involved in an exhausting fourth-quarter battle with Miami waiting the following Saturday.

Difficulty level: Moderate

November 7: Miami

Miami’s visit to Notre Dame Stadium is the marquee game of the regular season.

The Hurricanes will play in South Bend for the first time since Notre Dame earned a 30-27 victory in 2016. The game will also be the first night matchup between the programs at Notre Dame Stadium since 1984.

Miami possesses the athleticism, speed and talent to challenge Notre Dame across the field. The Hurricanes should be able to punish mistakes that several of Notre Dame’s earlier opponents may not be equipped to exploit.

The atmosphere should be one of the best of the college football season, and the result could determine whether Notre Dame enters the final three weeks chasing an undefeated season, protecting an at-large playoff position or attempting to recover from a damaging defeat.

Difficulty level: Very high

November 14: Boston College

Notre Dame will host Boston College one week after the emotionally charged matchup against Miami.

The Irish defeated the Eagles 44-0 during Boston College’s most recent visit to Notre Dame Stadium in 2022. The teams will once again compete for the Frank Leahy Memorial Trophy.

Notre Dame should have the stronger roster, but the positioning of this game creates danger. The Irish could experience an emotional letdown following Miami, particularly if that game carries major playoff implications.

Boston College will attempt to slow the tempo, create turnovers and keep the outcome undecided entering the fourth quarter.

Difficulty level: Low to moderate

November 21: SMU

Notre Dame will conclude its home schedule with a Senior Day night game against SMU.

The programs have not played since Notre Dame defeated the Mustangs in 1989. It will be their first meeting since SMU joined the ACC and their first night matchup at Notre Dame Stadium.

SMU could be one of the most explosive opponents on Notre Dame’s schedule. The Mustangs have the offensive potential to force the Irish into a high-scoring game and should not be treated as an ordinary Senior Day opponent.

The matchup gives Notre Dame another late-season opportunity to strengthen its playoff résumé. It is also one of the most important potential upset spots on the schedule.

Difficulty level: High

November 28: at Syracuse

Notre Dame will finish the regular season inside the JMA Wireless Dome against Syracuse.

The indoor environment eliminates weather concerns, but the crowd noise could complicate Notre Dame’s offensive communication. The game also follows three consecutive home contests, meaning the Irish must readjust to playing on the road.

Notre Dame should have the better overall roster, but Syracuse could become extremely dangerous if the Irish enter the game looking ahead to the postseason.

With a playoff berth potentially hanging in the balance, Notre Dame must approach the regular-season finale with discipline and urgency.

Difficulty level: Moderate

Toughest Game: Miami

Miami represents the greatest combination of opponent quality, rivalry history, national visibility and playoff importance.

Notre Dame will have the home-field advantage, but the Hurricanes possess the speed and athleticism to expose mistakes. The Irish will also be coming off a game against Navy, creating a dramatic change in preparation from defending option football to handling Miami’s explosive athletes.

A victory could become the centerpiece of Notre Dame’s playoff résumé. A loss would place enormous pressure on the Irish to defeat SMU and avoid another setback at Syracuse.

Toughest Road Game: BYU

The trip to Provo is Notre Dame’s most demanding road assignment.

BYU’s home-field environment and physical style could force the Irish into a close game. The matchup also comes immediately before Notre Dame’s bye, increasing the possibility that the team could be looking ahead to rest and recovery.

Notre Dame must play clean football, prevent explosive plays and avoid allowing the Cougars to control the pace.

Biggest Trap Game: at North Carolina

The North Carolina game falls between an in-state rivalry matchup at Purdue and a return home against Stanford.

It will be Notre Dame’s second consecutive road game, and the Tar Heels should possess enough offensive talent to challenge the Irish secondary. If Notre Dame plays carelessly or begins looking ahead to BYU and the November schedule, North Carolina could make this a four-quarter contest.

Most Important Stretch

Notre Dame’s season will likely be determined by the five-game stretch surrounding its bye week:

• October 17: at BYU
• October 24: Bye week
• October 31: Navy at Gillette Stadium
• November 7: Miami
• November 14: Boston College
• November 21: SMU

BYU is the most difficult true road game, Navy requires specialized preparation, and Miami and SMU are Notre Dame’s strongest home tests.

The bye week helps, but the transition from Navy’s option-based offense to Miami’s speed creates one of the season’s most challenging preparation changes.

Schedule Advantages

Notre Dame has several important scheduling benefits.

The Irish will play six games at Notre Dame Stadium, including their most important November contests against Miami and SMU. The bye week arrives before Navy, and Notre Dame does not face a prolonged stretch of elite opponents without an opportunity to recover.

The opening six games also provide the Irish with a realistic path to an undefeated start. Wisconsin and Michigan State are recognizable opponents, but Notre Dame should be favored in every game before traveling to BYU.

Three consecutive home games in November could also help Notre Dame remain fresh during the most important portion of the season.

Schedule Concerns

The moderate overall strength of the schedule could reduce Notre Dame’s margin for error.

The Irish may not have enough high-level victories to feel completely secure with two losses. Notre Dame will likely need to finish at least 11-1 to enter the College Football Playoff conversation without significant uncertainty.

The Sunday opener creates a shortened preparation week before Rice, while the consecutive trips to Purdue and North Carolina represent an early test of focus and maturity.

Notre Dame must also handle the dramatic preparation change from Navy to Miami before closing the home schedule against a dangerous SMU team.

Notre Dame 2026 Schedule Grade: B

Notre Dame’s schedule is respectable but not overwhelming.

Wisconsin provides a nationally recognizable opponent in a spectacular opening venue. Michigan State, Purdue, Stanford, Navy and Boston College maintain important rivalries. BYU offers a legitimate road test, while Miami and SMU give Notre Dame two high-profile home games late in the season.

The concern is that several opponents may not provide victories impressive enough to offset a second defeat. Notre Dame should be favored in most games, but that makes every potential upset more damaging.

Notre Dame 2026 Record Prediction: 11-1

Notre Dame has a realistic opportunity to begin the season 6-0 before traveling to BYU.

The Irish should be favored against Wisconsin, Rice, Michigan State, Purdue, North Carolina and Stanford. BYU, Miami and SMU represent the three greatest threats, while Navy and Syracuse are dangerous situational opponents.

A perfect 12-0 regular season is possible, but navigating the trip to Provo and the late-season matchups against Miami and SMU without a loss will be difficult.

Notre Dame has enough talent and schedule advantages to win 11 games, placing the Irish in strong position to receive a College Football Playoff invitation.

Notre Dame 2026 Season Prop Bets

The following are projected betting angles based on Notre Dame’s schedule. Sportsbooks may use different totals, rules and prices, and some of these markets may not be available until closer to the season. Bettors should confirm whether conference championships and playoff games count toward season totals.

Prop Bet #1: Notre Dame Over 10.5 Regular-Season Wins

Notre Dame should be favored in the majority of its 12 regular-season games.

Rice, Purdue, Stanford and Boston College appear to be the most favorable matchups. The Irish should also have clear paths to victories over Michigan State, North Carolina, Navy and Syracuse.

BYU, Miami and SMU are the three games most likely to determine whether Notre Dame reaches 11 victories. The Irish can lose one of those three contests and still finish 11-1.

An 11-win season is a reasonable expectation because Notre Dame avoids a prolonged stretch of elite opponents and gets Miami and SMU at home.

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Notre Dame Over 10.5 Regular-Season Wins

• Manageable Opening Stretch
• Six Home Games
• Three Major Tests

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Prop Bet #2: Notre Dame to Make the College Football Playoff

Notre Dame does not have a conference-championship game that could provide another quality victory, making every regular-season result important.

A 12-0 record would make the Irish one of the highest-ranked teams in the country. An 11-1 finish should also provide a compelling playoff résumé, especially if Notre Dame earns victories over Miami, BYU or SMU.

The Irish may be placed in a difficult position with two losses, but their schedule gives them a strong opportunity to remain in playoff contention throughout the season.

FanDuel

4.6/5

Tip: Notre Dame to Make the College Football Playoff

• Realistic 11-Win Path
• Major Home Opportunities
• National Playoff Profile

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Prop Bet #3: Notre Dame to Start the Season 6-0

Notre Dame’s first six opponents are Wisconsin, Rice, Michigan State, Purdue, North Carolina and Stanford.

The opener against Wisconsin is the most dangerous game in that stretch, but Notre Dame should enter with the stronger overall roster. Rice and Stanford are favorable home matchups, while the Irish should also be favored against Michigan State.

Consecutive road games at Purdue and North Carolina create some risk, but neither opponent appears unbeatable. The schedule becomes significantly more difficult when Notre Dame travels to BYU in its seventh game.

The Irish have an excellent opportunity to arrive in Provo with an undefeated record.

Caesars

4.4/5

Tip: Notre Dame to Start 6-0

• Favorable First Half
• Four Manageable Matchups
• BYU Test Comes Seventh

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Prop Bet #4: Notre Dame to Finish Undefeated at Home

Notre Dame’s six-game home schedule includes Rice, Michigan State, Stanford, Miami, Boston College and SMU.

Rice, Stanford and Boston College should be favorable matchups. Notre Dame should also enter the Michigan State game with the stronger roster and the advantage of a prime-time crowd.

Miami and SMU create the greatest obstacles, but both games will be played at night in South Bend. Notre Dame will also face SMU on Senior Day, providing additional emotion for the final home appearance of the season.

The Irish must survive two major November tests, but the structure of the schedule makes an undefeated home record attainable.

BetMGM

4.5/5

Tip: Notre Dame to Finish Undefeated at Home

• Six Home Games
• Miami and SMU in South Bend
• Three November Home Games

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Conclusion

Notre Dame’s 2026 schedule gives the Fighting Irish nearly everything they could want from a championship pursuit: a manageable opening stretch, several historic rivalries, a well-timed bye week and the opportunity to play their most important late-season games at home.

The schedule is not overloaded with elite opponents, but it presents several distinct challenges. Wisconsin provides a dramatic opening stage, BYU offers the toughest road environment, Navy requires specialized preparation, and Miami and SMU headline a decisive November.

Notre Dame will have little room for an unexpected defeat because of the schedule’s moderate overall strength. The Irish must handle the opponents they are expected to beat and win at least two of their three biggest tests against BYU, Miami and SMU.

If Notre Dame accomplishes those goals, an 11-1 regular season and another opportunity to compete for a national championship should be within reach.