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Notre Dame football schedule
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Notre Dame opens 2026 season Sept. 6 vs Wisconsin at Lambeau Field as 20.5-point favorite. Schedule scrutiny grows after Week 0 upsets, but Irish aim for first title since 1988.
Background
Notre Dame's 2026 schedule has been criticized as weak, with only three preseason top-20 teams. The Irish are ranked No. 5 and open against Wisconsin, a 20.5-point underdog, at Lambeau Field. A Week 0 upset (North Carolina over TCU) has raised questions about the schedule's perceived toughness.
How it unfolded
- Aug 29, 2026Week 0 upset: North Carolina defeats TCU, prompting discussion about Notre Dame's schedule strength.
- Sep 3, 2026NYT article highlights debate over Notre Dame's schedule and independence, with some saying 'The schedule stinks. Notre Dame should be punished.'
- Sep 4, 2026Predictions published: Notre Dame favored by 20.5 points over Wisconsin; Journal Sentinel predicts Notre Dame 31, Wisconsin 14.
- Sep 6, 2026Notre Dame opens season against Wisconsin at Lambeau Field in primetime.
Who’s saying what
- Critics
- Some argue Notre Dame's schedule is too weak and should be penalized, saying 'The schedule stinks. Notre Dame should be punished.'
- Supporters
- Ty Hildenbrandt of 'The Solid Verbal' says independence doesn't hold Notre Dame back from winning a national championship.
- Analysts
- Notre Dame's schedule may look trickier as the season progresses, but it may not matter much except for message boards.