Notre Dame Sets 2026 Football Schedule on NBC

Key facts

• Notre Dame will host six games at Notre Dame Stadium in 2026.
• The Shamrock Series game against Wisconsin will be played at Lambeau Field.
• Michigan State will visit South Bend on September 19 for the 80th meeting between the teams.
• Miami will play Notre Dame in South Bend on October 7, the first night game at home against them since 1984.
• SMU faces Notre Dame on Senior Day, November 21, marking their first meeting since 1989.
• Single-game tickets go on sale to the public on June 4.

Irish Announce 2026 Home Slate and Broadcast Details

Notre Dame Football has unveiled its game times and broadcast information for the 2026 season, featuring a compelling home schedule that includes primetime matchups against Michigan State, Miami, and SMU. The Fighting Irish will host seven contests in total, with six taking place at Notre Dame Stadium and one at Lambeau Field for the Shamrock Series. All seven games will be broadcast live on NBC and simultaneously streamed on Peacock, continuing a long-standing tradition of national television exposure for the program. This schedule marks the second consecutive year the Irish will host three night games, underscoring the program's appeal for high-profile evening contests. Fans eager to secure their seats can mark June 4 on their calendars, as single-game tickets will become available to the public on that date. An alert system is also in place for those who wish to be notified when tickets go on sale.

Key Rivalries Renewed and Reimagined

The 2026 season promises significant rivalry renewed when Michigan State visits South Bend on September 19 for the 80th all-time meeting between the two programs. This matchup, competing for the Megaphone Trophy first introduced in 1949, marks the first time the rivals have met in South Bend since 2017. Further down the schedule, October 7 sees Miami return to Notre Dame Stadium for a highly anticipated night game, the first such contest against the Hurricanes in South Bend since 1984. The historic 'Catholics vs. Convicts' rivalry, though not officially named as such, carries significant weight, especially after recent meetings have impacted Notre Dame's postseason aspirations. Another notable fixture is the November 21 clash against SMU on Senior Day. This game represents the first meeting between the Irish and the Mustangs since 1989 and will be the first time SMU visits South Bend for a night game, adding a unique historical dimension to the contest.

Lambeau Field Hosts Shamrock Series Opener

The 2026 season kicks off with a unique Shamrock Series game at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on August 29. Notre Dame will serve as the host and home team against Wisconsin, marking a significant neutral-site game in a venue steeped in football history. This game is the first of the season and presents an immediate opportunity for Notre Dame to demonstrate its capabilities following an extensive offseason. The choice of Lambeau Field for the season opener adds a distinctive flavor to the start of the Irish campaign. Following the opener, Notre Dame will host Rice at Notre Dame Stadium on September 12. This marks the first meeting between the two teams since 2014, with the original contest dating back to 1915.

Home Schedule Highlights and Trophy Games

Beyond the marquee matchups, Notre Dame's home schedule includes other significant contests. On October 10, the Irish will face Stanford for the Legends Trophy, a rivalry that dates back to 1975. This game is scheduled for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff. Another trophy game occurs on October 14 when Notre Dame hosts an opponent for the Frank Leahy Memorial Trophy. This fixture is set for a 3:30 p.m. start, adding another layer of historical significance to the home slate. While the schedule is not perceived as overwhelmingly difficult on paper, the presence of these storied rivalries and unique game settings, such as Lambeau Field, promises an "interesting" season, according to observers.

Assessing Opponent Strength and Potential

Commentary on Notre Dame's 2026 schedule suggests it may not be the toughest on paper, but it offers compelling matchups. SMU, in particular, is viewed by many outlets as a potentially strong opponent, with projections placing them as a top 25 team entering the season. There is even speculation that the Mustangs could emerge as a top 15 team by the time they face the Irish. Wisconsin is also mentioned as a team that could show significant improvement in 2026, though their role in the Shamrock Series at Lambeau Field is seen as more about the occasion than their perceived strength at that moment. BYU is acknowledged for stepping into the schedule, but the prevailing sentiment is that they benefit more from playing Notre Dame than vice versa, particularly in their pursuit of national respect.

Looking Ahead: Fan Engagement and Schedule Dynamics

The anticipation for the 2026 season is palpable, with discussions about the schedule expected to continue throughout the offseason. The inclusion of more games against rivals like Miami has been a long-standing desire for many fans, and the return to Notre Dame Stadium is seen as a significant event. This schedule is not just about wins and losses; it's about rekindling traditions and providing engaging experiences for the fanbase. The blend of historic venues, trophy games, and renewed rivalries aims to create a memorable season. As the season approaches, the dynamics of each game, from the confidence of opponents like Michigan State to the potential of teams like SMU, will be closely watched. The "interesting" nature of the schedule suggests a season filled with narrative potential beyond straightforward predictions.

The bottom line

• Notre Dame's 2026 football schedule features seven home games, including six at Notre Dame Stadium and one at Lambeau Field.
• All games will be broadcast on NBC and streamed on Peacock.
• Key home matchups include primetime games against Michigan State, Miami, and SMU.
• The season opener against Wisconsin will be held at Lambeau Field on August 29.
• Rivalries like the Megaphone Trophy game with Michigan State and the historic matchup with Miami are central to the schedule.
• Single-game tickets for the 2026 season go on sale to the public on June 4.