Notre Dame Football Season Game By Game

We are mere days away from the glorious return of Notre Dame football to our lives. For non-Irish fans, look away,m, this is quickly going to be a slobber fest blog. This offseason, Marcus Freeman has built a roster meant to compete for a national championship, but building for one and winning one are two very different things. Can our Irish find themselves in the hunt come December to get that first national championship since 1988? Well, let's take a look at what lies ahead as I predict each game on the 2026 schedule.

Game 1 vs. Wisconsin (B10) – Lambeau Field (Green Bay, WI)

The first game of the year brings so many unknowns on the offensive side of the ball as we look to replace not one, but two first-round RBs and piece together a fairly new WR room. Don't go worrying too much, though, as we have one of the nation's top QBs in CJ Carr and an offensive line that is as strong and deep as any in all of college football. Still, is there some concern about a slow start? Yes, the Badgers feel frisky. This could be a "lean on the defense while the offense gains traction in the second half" type of game. Still, we will be heading back to South Bend happy.

• Prediction: Notre Dame 31, Wisconsin 13

• Player of the Game: Leonard Moore — pick 6 and a sack.

Record: 1-0

Game 2 vs. Rice (C-USA) – Notre Dame Stadium

Okay, deep sigh of relief on this one, right? It's finally not a MAC team after a big Week 1 matchup! Still, let's not overlook them, but instead get that offense even more in sync against the Owls. With no more redshirting, this is a great chance to get the youngsters some playing time and evaluate if they can contribute in big moments later on.

• Prediction: Notre Dame 52, Rice 10

• Player of the Game: Nolan James Jr. — 100+ yards and 2 TDs.

Record: 2-0

Game 3 vs. Michigan State (B10) – Notre Dame Stadium

The fight for the Megaphone is BACK! Yes, Irish fans, we have some bad memories in recent history not only against these Spartans but also against their new coach Pat Fitzgerald. But this is the Freeman ERA! While I do think the Spartans are going to be better this year under Pat, the talent gap still feels too wide here. Similar to the Wisconsin game, we could get a scare before a strong finish.

• Prediction: Notre Dame 31, Michigan State 17

• Player of the Game: CJ Carr — goes wild for over 300 yards as the run game is taken away.

Record: 3-0

Game 4 at Purdue (B10) – Ross-Ade Stadium

Purdue football... gross. This feels like a "just stay focused" type of game; don't let the noise get too loud outside the building. With the Boilermakers still in transition, trying to become a competitive football team again, the Irish will just need to continue the motto of "leave no doubt."

• Prediction: Notre Dame 38, Purdue 10

• Player of the Game: CJ Carr — gets it going again as the Heisman talk gets a little louder.

Record: 4-0

Game 5 at North Carolina (ACC) – Kenan Stadium

Well, this one may have gotten more interesting after the Tar Heel upset in Dublin this past weekend. Though, we will have to see if TCU is any good. Either way, this one feels trappy to me; UNC will be a tough game and one that could shape the team moving forward.

• Prediction: Notre Dame 24, UNC 20

• Player of the Game: Drayk Bowen — forces a fumble late in the game to seal the win!

Record: 5-0

Game 6 vs. Stanford (ACC) – Notre Dame Stadium

This is another game that feels like it is going to end up being tougher than first thought. Yes, they let Hawaii back into it, but for three quarters Stanford football looked like a bowl team. Notre Dame's run game will be challenged in this one after Stanford shut down the Warriors on the ground. Look for defensive pressure from our DL to be the difference.

• Prediction: Notre Dame 27, Stanford 17

• Player of the Game: Jordan Faison — FAKE PUNT TD... calling my shot! Something crazy always seems to happen when we wear green.

Record: 6-0

Game 7 at BYU (B12) – LaVell Edwards Stadium

A potential playoff matchup later in the year, as BYU is one of the early-season favorites in the Big 12. I really hope this one catches on as a new rivalry, as it could be a fun yearly matchup to look forward to. With that being said, dual-threat QB Bear Bachmaier will be a problem we need to contain, or our first loss could be headed our way.

• Prediction: Notre Dame 34, BYU 31 (OT)

• Player of the Game: Aneyas Williams — catches the game-winning TD out of the backfield to stay undefeated!

Record: 7-0

Game 8 vs. Navy (AAC) – Gillette Stadium (MA)

This is THE trap game of the year, as it is sandwiched between two potential top-10 matchups for the Irish. Not to mention, the triple option is always unpredictable. Navy looks to be strong in their conference, so hopefully they can be ranked (or close to it) to help our strength of schedule.

• Prediction: Notre Dame 42, Navy 18

• Player of the Game: Jaden Greathouse — shows he is priming up for the big games to end the season, as usual.

Record: 8-0

Game 9 vs. Miami (ACC) – Notre Dame Stadium

We have arrived at the big one... finally. We hope that both teams have upheld the standard and are coming into this one undefeated. Also, it's so nice to be able to play our big games later in the season when we have our team more figured out, rather than in the first two weeks like last year. Miami has a gunslinger who will test our secondary more than anyone thus far. Whoever wins that battle likely wins the game.

• Prediction: Notre Dame 17, Miami 14

• Player of the Game: Brauntae Johnson — a pick to seal the game as Miami reaches the red zone with just 30 seconds left!

Record: 9-0

Game 10 vs. Boston College (ACC) – Notre Dame Stadium

Last year in Boston, we took some time to wake up. I think this year will be different. After a huge win against Miami, we will feel locked in on finishing the season undefeated. The Eagles will just be in a "wrong place, wrong time" situation.

• Prediction: Notre Dame 56, Boston College 7

• Player of the Game: Jonaz Walton — the freshman begins his ascent as a breakout player who could be the difference-maker in a natty run.

Record: 10-0

Game 11 vs. SMU (ACC) – Notre Dame Stadium

Another potential top-15 or even top-10 matchup. I do think Miami and SMU could be squaring off for an ACC championship a few weeks later. Kevin Jennings will be tough to contain, but look out for a runaway late on Senior Day.

• Prediction: Notre Dame 37, SMU 21

• Player of the Game: Jordan Faison — on Senior Day, the captain ends his home career with his best performance so far.

Record: 11-0

Game 12 at Syracuse (ACC) – JMA Wireless Dome

What a weird last game of the year... I hate it so much. Playing in the Dome just doesn't feel right to end the season. I think that same feeling will affect the guys early on, but our talent will show up to avoid a late-season disaster.

• Prediction: Notre Dame 42, Syracuse 24

• Player of the Game: CJ Carr — Heisman buzz swirling after another 300-yard passing performance.

Record: 12-0

12-0!! COME ON NOW! DUHHHH!! We are running the table this year, people! I am pumped for Notre Dame football this season and truly think we can and will run the table to the playoffs! The players seem extra motivated following last year's debacle! The "Leave No Doubt" mentality begins Sunday with everyone at 0-0. We will get to see if CJ Carr, Leonard Moore, and the rest of the Irish are ready to walk the walk!