Notre Dame football faces tough opener and rivalry pause in 2026 schedule

Notre Dame will open its 2026 season against Wisconsin at Lambeau Field on September 6. Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell said the game is a "great opportunity" but also noted it was not a scheduling choice he favoured, describing the matchup as a significant test for his under‑achieving Badgers program.

Separately, the traditional rivalry between Notre Dame and USC will be on hold for the 2026 season. The two schools could not agree on a date, with USC preferring an early‑season slot and Notre Dame wanting a later game. USC head coach Lincoln Riley said the Trojans still want to play the Fighting Irish, expressing hope the series can resume in the future.