Notre Dame hosts Rice in 2026 home opening football game

Notre Dame opens its 2026 home football schedule today against Rice in South Bend. The Irish enter the matchup following a victory over Wisconsin, where a second-half offensive adjustment allowed the team to find success on the ground. Head coach Marcus Freeman stated the team is prepared for the unique challenges posed by the Owls, who utilized an option-based offense to rush for over 400 yards in their own season opener. Notre Dame players are aiming to maintain focus and avoid early-game jitters that surfaced during their previous outing. Following this contest, the Irish prepare for a stretch of games against Big Ten opponents Michigan State and Purdue, along with a meeting against North Carolina. Quarterback CJ Carr and cornerback Leonard Moore lead the roster into this home opener, as the coaching staff looks to solidify the team's performance before facing a more difficult portion of the schedule.

• 10:06 AMYahoo Sports — Three keys for Notre Dame to defeat Rice in the 2026 home opener