Notre Dame prepares for season opening game against Wisconsin at Lambeau Field

No. 5 Notre Dame faces Wisconsin on September 6 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay to begin the 2026 college football season. The Fighting Irish enter the game after finishing outside the College Football Playoff last year, prompting coach Marcus Freeman to emphasize internal focus and consistency. Notre Dame returns key personnel, including starting quarterback CJ Carr, along with 11 of its top-12 tacklers and its leading receiver from the previous season. The team also bolstered its roster through a transfer portal class ranked eighth nationally by On3. Wisconsin faces a defensive challenge against a Notre Dame unit that finished last season ranked 11th in scoring defense. Players to watch for the Fighting Irish include defensive tackle Francis Brewu, safety Brauntae Johnson, and offensive lineman Anthonie Knapp, who transitions to left guard this season.

• 3:21 PMYahoo Sports — 7 players to watch for No. 5 Notre Dame, Wisconsin’s Week 1 opponent