You've probably been scouring the guide, hitting the "Info" button on your remote, or frantically refreshing your sports apps. It's a Saturday in mid-January, specifically January 17, 2026, and you’re wondering what channel is nd football on today.
I have some news that might be a bit of a letdown if you were hoping for a late-season miracle on the gridiron. There is no Notre Dame football game today.
The Fighting Irish finished their 2025-2026 campaign a few weeks ago. If you’re seeing "Notre Dame" listed on your TV guide right now, you’re likely looking at the men's basketball team, who are currently in the thick of ACC play. They are tipping off against Virginia Tech at 12:00 p.m. ET on the ACC Network. But as for the pads and helmets? That ship has sailed for the season.
The Truth About the Notre Dame Schedule Right Now
It's easy to get confused. With the expanded College Football Playoff (CFP), the season stretches deeper into January than it used to back in the day. In years past, once the calendar hit January 2nd, college ball was basically over. Not anymore.
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This year, the CFP National Championship is set for Monday, January 19, 2026. Because that game is just two days away, the football world is currently in a "dead period" for live action as everyone travels to Miami Gardens.
Notre Dame had a solid run this year, finishing the regular season at 10-2. They were ranked as high as No. 6 at one point, but a couple of tough losses—specifically that heartbreaker against Texas A&M—kept them just outside the final push for the title game. They played their post-season ball in December, and the roster is already looking toward spring practice.
Where to Find Notre Dame Content Today
If you are still itching for that ND fix and the basketball game isn't scratching the itch, you aren't totally out of luck.
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- Peacock: Since NBC has the exclusive rights to Irish home games, their streaming service is a goldmine for replays. You can usually find "The Chosen" or full-game replays of the 2025 season.
- Notre Dame Radio Network: Often, local affiliates run "Year in Review" segments during these mid-January gaps.
- YouTube: The official "Notre Dame Fighting Irish" channel usually drops recruiting highlights or "mic'd up" segments from the bowl practices around this time.
What Channel Is ND Football On Today? Breaking Down the Off-Season
When people search for what channel is nd football on today, they are often caught in the "Shamrock Series" hype or looking for spring game info.
Honestly, the next time you'll see Notre Dame football on a major network like NBC or ABC will be the Blue-Gold Game in April. For the 2026 season, the schedule is already looking spicy. They open up against Wisconsin at Lambeau Field on September 6, 2026. That’s a Sunday night game that will likely be the biggest thing on TV that weekend.
Why the confusion happens
The 12-team playoff format has changed our internal clocks. Last week, we had the semifinals (the Fiesta and Peach Bowls). Because there were games on January 8th and 9th, fans naturally assume the following Saturday will have more.
But the NFL usually takes over this specific Saturday. If you flip on CBS at 4:30 p.m. ET today, you’ll see the Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos. At 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX, it’s the 49ers vs. Seahawks. The "football" is there; it’s just not the South Bend variety.
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Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
Since we know the Irish aren't playing today, let's talk about when they will be. The 2026 schedule is actually one of the more unique ones we've seen in a while.
- September 6: vs. Wisconsin (Green Bay, WI) - NBC/Peacock
- September 12: Rice (Home)
- September 19: Michigan State (Home)
- September 26: at Purdue (Away)
You'll notice a lot of these games don't have "official" channels yet. That’s because the networks wait until about 12 days before kickoff to announce the specific time slots for most games. However, since Notre Dame is independent and has that massive deal with NBC, you can bet your bottom dollar that almost every home game will be on NBC or exclusively on Peacock.
Final Reality Check for Irish Fans
It's a quiet day in South Bend. The snow is probably hitting the Golden Dome, and the players are back in classes or training in the Guglielmino Athletics Complex.
If you see a headline claiming there is a "secret" game or a "pro-day" broadcast today, ignore it. It’s likely clickbait. The only Irish athletes competing on the big stage today are the basketball team and the fencing squad (who are actually at the St. John’s Super Cup in Queens, if you’re into that).
Instead of searching for a channel that doesn't have a game, use today to catch up on the transfer portal news. Coach Marcus Freeman has been active, and the 2026 recruiting class is currently being ranked as one of the best in the nation. That's where the real "game" is happening right now.
Check the ACC Network for the basketball matchup at noon, then settle in for the NFL playoffs this evening. The Irish will be back on your screen before you know it.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Sync your calendar: Go to the official Notre Dame Athletics website and download the 2026 football schedule directly to your phone so you never miss a kickoff.
- Download Peacock: Ensure your subscription is active if you want to watch the spring game or re-watch the 2025 victories.
- Monitor the Portal: Follow reputable beats like Inside ND Sports to see which players are joining the roster for the upcoming Wisconsin opener.