If you’re waking up on this chilly Saturday, January 17, 2026, and scouring the internet to find out what time does Notre Dame play today football, I have some news that’s probably going to sting a little.
The short answer? They don’t.
Honestly, the stadium in South Bend is quiet today. There isn't a single pad popping or a whistle blowing under the golden dome. While the College Football Playoff (CFP) is currently reaching its fever pitch with Indiana and Miami preparing for the National Championship in just two days, the Fighting Irish are essentially spectators.
It’s a weird vibe for mid-January. Usually, a 10-win Notre Dame team is deep in the mix, but the 2025-26 postseason has been anything but "usual" for Marcus Freeman’s squad.
Why Isn’t Notre Dame Playing Today?
You’ve probably seen the headlines, but let’s break down why the Irish aren't on the field today. After finishing the regular season with a solid 10-2 record, Notre Dame was the "first team out" of the new 12-team playoff bracket. They landed at the No. 11 spot in the final rankings, but due to how the conference champion auto-bids shook out, they were leapfrogged by teams like Miami.
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Here is where it gets spicy. Instead of taking a mid-tier bowl game invitation—something like the Pop-Tarts Bowl or the Gator Bowl—Notre Dame did something radical.
They opted out. Athletic Director Pete Bevacqua and Coach Freeman made the call to withdraw from bowl consideration entirely. Their logic? If they weren't playing for a National Championship, they weren't playing at all. It was a "playoffs or bust" mentality that has split the fanbase right down the middle. Some fans love the "championship standard" stance; others are just bummed they don't get to see their team play one last time before the long winter.
Looking Forward: The 2026 Season Opener
Since there’s no game today, your next chance to see Notre Dame football isn't until the fall of 2026. The schedule is already looking like a gauntlet.
- September 6, 2026: The Irish open against Wisconsin. This isn't just a home game; it’s a massive neutral-site clash at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.
- September 12, 2026: They return home to South Bend to face Rice.
- September 19, 2026: A classic rivalry renewed as Michigan State comes to town.
Basically, we have about seven and a half months of waiting. That’s a lot of Saturdays without Touchdown Jesus.
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Wait, I See Notre Dame on TV Today?
If you're looking at a TV guide and seeing "Notre Dame" listed for today, January 17, you’re likely looking at the men's basketball team.
While the football team is off, the basketball squad is very much active. They are actually playing a big road game today against Virginia Tech.
- Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
- Location: Cassell Coliseum, Blacksburg, VA
- TV Channel: ACC Network
It’s a tough spot for the hoops team. They’ve been struggling with a bit of a losing streak lately, and trying to steal a win in Blacksburg is never easy. If you're looking for that Irish fix, this is your only option today.
The CFP National Championship Context
It's worth noting that the reason many people are asking about football today is that we are in the "Championship Monday" window. The 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship features No. 1 Indiana versus No. 10 Miami.
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That game kicks off on Monday, January 19, at 7:30 PM ET on ESPN.
Because Miami—the team that effectively took Notre Dame’s spot in the eyes of many Irish fans—is playing for the title, the "what if" conversations are everywhere in South Bend right now. The committee's decision to favor Miami based on their head-to-head win over Notre Dame back in August still feels like a raw nerve for the Irish faithful.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
Since you can't watch football today, here is how you can stay plugged in:
- Tune in to ACC Network at noon: Watch the Notre Dame men's basketball team take on Virginia Tech. It’s an uphill battle, but it's live Irish sports.
- Track the Transfer Portal: With no bowl game, Marcus Freeman has been extremely active in the portal. Keep an eye on the defensive line and wide receiver positions, as the staff is looking to plug holes for the 2026 run.
- Mark the Lambeau Date: If you're planning on heading to Green Bay for the season opener on September 6, start looking at lodging now. Lambeau Field openers are legendary, and prices are already starting to climb.
The 2025 season might be over, but the work for the 12th National Title is already happening behind closed doors.