League: NCAAF Sport: College Sports Country: United States Category: Match Previews

No. 4 Notre Dame prepares to host Rice on Saturday

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 11, 2026, 1:01 PM

Last updated Sep 11, 2026

No. 4 Notre Dame prepares to host Rice on Saturday

Summary

No. 4 Notre Dame returns to South Bend on September 12 for its 2026 home opener against Rice. Both teams enter the matchup with 1-0 records following their respective season debuts. This meeting marks the first time the two programs have faced each other since 2014, with the Fighting Irish holding a 5-0 lead in the all-time series. Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman faces roster adjustments, as safety Brauntae Johnson and defensive tackle Jason Onye remain sidelined with injuries. Rice aims to challenge the Irish using a run-heavy, spread-option offense led by running back D'Andre Hardeman, Jr. and defensive end Chibby Nwajuaku. The Irish coaching staff continues to evaluate personnel, including a potential time-share rotation at right guard between Sullivan Absher and Styles Prescod.

Source Links

Irishsportsdaily.com Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•No. 4 Notre Dame hosts Rice on September 12 at South Bend.
•Notre Dame leads the all-time series against Rice 5-0.
•Rice running back D'Andre Hardeman, Jr. recorded 77 rushing yards in the season opener.
•Notre Dame defensive players Brauntae Johnson and Jason Onye are unavailable due to injuries.
•Rice defensive end Chibby Nwajuaku enters the game following a two-sack performance against Houston Christian.

Latest Updates

1:01 PMIrishsportsdaily.com — ISD Game Predictions: Rice - Irish Sports Daily
8:01 AMYahoo Sports — Players to watch, game predictions as Notre Dame football faces Rice

What they're saying

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After nine months of no games that mattered, No. 4 Notre Dame football will play for the second time in seven days as it hosts Rice in 2026 home debut
— Yahoo Sports