If you just woke up, grabbed your coffee, and started scrolling through your TV guide looking for the Irish, I have some news that might sting a little. You’re asking what channel is the notre dame football game on today, but the reality is there isn't one. Today is Friday, January 16, 2026. The Notre Dame football season is officially over.
I know, it’s a bummer. Especially when you consider how the season ended. The Irish had a massive run, finishing the regular season with a 10-2 record and stringing together 10 straight wins after a shaky start. But if you’re looking for them on the gridiron today, you’re out of luck.
The Postseason Situation (and Why Today is Empty)
The College Football Playoff (CFP) is currently in its final stages, but Notre Dame isn't in the mix anymore. We just saw the semifinals wrap up last week. On January 8, Miami took down Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl, and on January 9, Indiana absolutely crushed Oregon in the Peach Bowl.
The National Championship is set for Monday, January 19, featuring Miami and Indiana. Basically, college football is in that weird three-day lull right before the title game.
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If you’re seeing "Notre Dame" on your sports app today, you’re likely looking at the Notre Dame vs. Penn State college hockey game. That’s happening tonight at 7:00 PM EST. If you're a multi-sport fan, you can catch that, but for the football purists, the pads are packed away for the winter.
Where Did the Irish Go?
There was a bit of a weird situation this year. Some reports earlier in the season suggested Notre Dame might opt out of certain bowl tie-ins if they didn't make the CFP, and while they had a strong year, the bracket just didn't fall their way in the final selection.
Marcus Freeman’s squad was 10-2. They were hot. They had that incredible 70-7 blowout against Syracuse in November. But the way the 12-team playoff expanded, a couple of losses—specifically those early stumbles against Miami and Texas A&M—kept them just outside the bubble when it mattered most.
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Recent Results for the Record Books
- Nov 29: Notre Dame 49, Stanford 20 (A nice way to end the regular season).
- Nov 22: Notre Dame 70, Syracuse 7 (Complete dominance).
- Oct 18: Notre Dame 34, USC 24 (The game everyone actually cares about).
When Can You Watch Notre Dame Football Again?
If you're already itching for the 2026 season, the wait is going to be a long one. The 2026 schedule is already looking spicy, though.
The Irish open things up with a massive Shamrock Series game against Wisconsin at Lambeau Field. That’s scheduled for Sunday, September 6, 2026. That game is already confirmed to be on NBC and Peacock.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Schedule
After the Wisconsin opener, they’ve got Rice on September 12 and Michigan State on September 19. We don't have the exact kickoff times or channels for those yet (usually those "TV TBA" slots don't get filled until a few weeks before the game), but you can bet your bottom dollar that NBC will be the primary home for the home games in South Bend.
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How to Handle the Offseason
Since you can't find what channel is the notre dame football game on today, what do you do now? Honestly, the best move is to keep an eye on the transfer portal. Coach Freeman has been active, and with the coaching staff changes—like bringing in Charlie Partridge for the defensive line—the program is clearly reloading for a 2026 run.
You can also check out Fighting Irish TV or the official Notre Dame YouTube channel. They usually drop "Mic'd Up" segments and season recaps around this time of year to keep the alumni happy while the stadium is under a foot of snow.
Your Next Steps
- Mark your calendar: September 6, 2026, vs. Wisconsin at Lambeau Field.
- Check the Hockey Score: If you need an Irish fix tonight, check the Penn State hockey results.
- Watch the Championship: Tune into ESPN on Monday night to see Miami and Indiana play for the trophy Notre Dame wants next year.
The season is done, but the recruiting trail never stops. Stay tuned to the local South Bend news for roster updates as the spring game approaches.