Notre Dame’s 2026 football schedule features a mix of high-profile non-conference and conference opponents, including a Shamrock Series game at Lambeau Field against Wisconsin on September 6 that night, and matchups with Rice, Michigan State, Stanford, and Boston College, with all times listed in Eastern Time and broadcasts on NBC and Peacock.

Notre Dame will host Miami on November 7 in a primetime matchup at 7:30 p.m. ET, renewing a rivalry that started last season with Miami leading the series 18-9-1.

The schedule and narrative are heightened by ongoing controversy from the 2025 CFP race involving both Notre Dame and Miami, adding context to their 2026 meetings.

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, a veteran Florida sports columnist, provides attribution for the Miami-related coverage.

Jeremiyah Love’s NFL pursuit with the Arizona Cardinals is mentioned as part of tying NFL and college narratives together for the South Bend story.

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Both Notre Dame and Miami face meaningful implications in 2026, with the late-season Notre Dame game presenting a significant test for Miami after its recent playoff appearance and national championship bid.

Context on Miami’s CFP journey last season and the national championship outcome provides background on why the 2026 matchup carries major implications for both programs.

MSU is expected to be an underdog, with the South Bend game serving as a litmus test for Pat Fitzgerald’s rebuild and the Spartans’ status against top competition.

Sports Illustrated’s Bryan Fischer has Notre Dame as an early No. 1 team after spring ball, with quarterback CJ Carr as a key factor.

The Shamrock Series game against Wisconsin is set for September 6 at Lambeau Field, kicking off at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Head coach Marcus Freeman emphasizes using past hardship as motivation to avoid doubt and to push for the best version of the team in 2026.