So, you’re looking for the kickoff. You’ve got the snacks ready, maybe the jersey is out, and you’re wondering what time is nd football game today. I’ll be blunt: you can put the remote down. There isn’t a game today.
It’s January 13, 2026. If you follow Notre Dame closely, you know the post-season can be a bit of a rollercoaster. This year, the ride ended earlier than many fans in South Bend wanted. The Fighting Irish aren't playing today because they aren't in the College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship hunt this week. That spotlight belongs to Miami and Indiana, who are set to square off on January 19.
Honestly, it’s a weird feeling for Irish fans. Usually, by mid-January, we’re either celebrating a bowl win or dissecting a playoff loss. This year? We're looking at the calendar and waiting for spring practice.
The Reality of the 2025-2026 Postseason
The question of what time is nd football game today usually peaks during the heart of the season, but in January, it’s all about the big dance. Notre Dame finished their 2025 regular season with a solid 10-2 record. In many years, that’s a golden ticket.
But 2025 was messy. Despite beating teams like USC and Pitt late in the year, those early-season stumbles against Miami and Texas A&M really bit them. The CFP selection committee ended up ranking them just outside the bubble. Athletic Director Pete Bevacqua didn’t mince words about it, essentially saying the Irish had a playoff berth "stolen" by the committee's logic.
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To make matters even more "Notre Dame," the team actually opted out of bowl season entirely. They were reportedly invited to the Pop-Tarts Bowl to play BYU, but after a few hours of deliberation, the school declined. It was a "playoffs or bust" mentality that left the schedule empty for the rest of the winter.
Why the Irish Are Home Today
- The Selection Committee Snub: The Irish were leapfrogged by Miami in the final rankings.
- Bowl Opt-Out: By declining the Pop-Tarts Bowl, the team effectively ended their season in late November.
- National Championship Schedule: The 2026 title game isn't until next Monday.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Schedule
Since there’s no game today, let’s talk about when you can actually see them. The 2026 season is already looking like one of the most favorable schedules Marcus Freeman has ever had.
The season opener is a massive one. Notre Dame will face Wisconsin at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. That’s happening on Sunday, September 6, 2026. It’s a "Shamrock Series" game, so expect the neutral site to feel like a home game for both sides given the Midwest ties.
After that, the Irish return to South Bend for a two-game homestand. They'll host Rice on September 12 and then Michigan State on September 19. If you’re planning a trip to the stadium, those early September games are usually the best weather you’re going to get before the Indiana wind starts cutting through the stands.
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Key Dates for 2026
- September 6: vs. Wisconsin (Lambeau Field)
- September 12: Rice
- September 19: Michigan State
- September 26: at Purdue
- October 31: vs. Navy (Gillette Stadium, Foxborough)
- November 7: Miami
- November 21: Boston College
The rest of the dates for teams like SMU, Stanford, and USC are still being finalized. It's a light travel year. The Irish only have three "true" road games on the books: North Carolina, Syracuse, and Purdue. Everything else is either at Notre Dame Stadium or a neutral site that's basically a pro-stadium takeover.
The New Playoff Rules and Notre Dame
If you're frustrated asking what time is nd football game today and finding nothing, there’s actually some good news for next year. A new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed that changes the game for Notre Dame’s independence.
Starting in the 2026 season, if Notre Dame is ranked in the top 12 of the final poll, they are guaranteed a spot in the College Football Playoff. No more "stolen" berths. No more committee members arguing over strength of schedule to keep the Irish out. If they’re top 12, they’re in. This takes a lot of the mystery out of those final weeks in November.
Of course, as an independent, they still can't get a first-round bye (since those are reserved for conference champions), but a guaranteed seat at the table is a huge win for the program’s stability.
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What to Watch While You Wait
Since there’s no football today, you might want to keep an eye on the other Irish teams. The Notre Dame men's basketball team is actually in action today, January 13. They are playing Miami at home in South Bend. Kickoff—well, tip-off—is at 7:00 PM ET, and you can catch it on ESPNU.
It’s not football, but the rivalry with Miami carries over, and the atmosphere at the Purcell Pavilion is usually electric for ACC matchups.
Actionable Steps for Fans
- Sync Your Calendar: Go to the official Notre Dame Athletics site and sync the 2026 football schedule now so you aren't searching for times in September.
- Check the Basketball Score: If you need a sports fix, the Miami vs. ND hoops game at 7 PM tonight is your best bet.
- Monitor the Transfer Portal: January is when the roster for next year is really built. Keep an eye on who Marcus Freeman is bringing in to bolster the defense.
- Watch the CFP Final: Tune in next Monday, January 19, at 7:30 PM ET on ESPN to see Indiana and Miami. It’s a good way to scout the competition for next year’s November 7 clash with the Hurricanes.
The quest for a national title is a long game. Today is just a quiet day on the calendar, but the road to the 2026 opener in Green Bay is already being paved in the weight room.