No. 3 Notre Dame hosts Rice in its 2026 home football opener
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 9, 2026, 4:56 PM
Last updated Sep 9, 2026
No. 3 Notre Dame enters Saturday's home opener against Rice aiming to stabilize its early-season performance. The Fighting Irish opened their 2026 campaign with a 41-13 victory over Wisconsin in Green Bay. Despite the win, coach Marcus Freeman indicated that the team must improve upon its slow start in that contest. Notre Dame faces several injury challenges, as safety Brauntae Johnson and defensive tackle Jason Onye are both ruled out due to foot injuries sustained last weekend. The program seeks to avoid the September home losses that have hampered its playoff chances in recent seasons. Freeman emphasized the importance of consistent four-quarter execution as the team looks to build on its home-field advantage.
- •Notre Dame hosts Rice for the team's first home game of the season.
- •The Fighting Irish opened the season with a 41-13 victory over Wisconsin.
- •Brauntae Johnson and Jason Onye are unavailable for the game due to foot injuries.
- •Coach Marcus Freeman is prioritizing a consistent performance over four quarters.
- •Notre Dame holds a 29-6 home record over the past five seasons.
- 4:56 PMYahoo Sports — No. 3 Notre Dame tries to avoid another early season stumble in home opener against Rice
"Over the past five seasons, Notre Dame (1-0) has lost home games to Cincinnati, Marshall, Stanford, Ohio State, Northern Illinois and Texas A&M — four of those coming in September. Last year's 0-2 start, which included the 41-40 loss to the 16th-ranked Aggies, eventually sealed Notre Dame's playoff fate. Coach Marcus Freeman has made it a point of emphasis.
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