So, you’re looking for what time is Notre Dame football game on today? I’ve got some news that might be a little frustrating if you were planning to spend your Thursday evening on the couch with a bowl of wings.
There is no Notre Dame football game today, January 15, 2026.
It feels weird, right? Usually, mid-January is when the biggest games of the year are happening. But for the Fighting Irish, the 2025-26 season is officially in the rearview mirror. While the College Football Playoff semifinals just wrapped up last week with the Fiesta and Peach Bowls, and the National Championship between Miami and Indiana is set for Monday, January 19, South Bend is currently quiet.
Where Did the Irish Go? The Playoff Snub Explained
If you're asking about the game time because you remember Notre Dame having a stellar year, you aren't wrong. Marcus Freeman’s squad finished the regular season with a 10-2 record. They actually won ten games in a row after a rocky start. But here’s the kicker: the selection committee left them out of the 12-team bracket.
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It was brutal. They landed at No. 11 in the final rankings, but due to how the conference champion auto-bids work, they were the first team out. Miami, who beat the Irish way back in August, jumped them at the very last second.
Instead of taking a consolation prize in a lower-tier bowl—specifically the Pop-Tarts Bowl—the university made a pretty bold statement. They opted out. On December 7, Notre Dame officially withdrew from bowl consideration. Athletic Director Pete Bevacqua didn't mince words, basically saying that if the playoff rankings were going to be that inconsistent, they’d rather just start focusing on 2026.
Checking the 2026 Notre Dame Schedule
Since there’s no game today, your best bet is to start looking at the 2026 calendar. It’s a massive year for the program. They open the season on Sunday, September 6, 2026, against Wisconsin. That’s a huge "Shamrock Series" style game at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.
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If you're trying to plan your Saturdays for next fall, here is what the upcoming slate looks like:
- Sept 12: Rice (Home opener)
- Sept 19: Michigan State (A classic rivalry returns)
- Sept 26: at Purdue
- Oct 3: at North Carolina
- Oct 31: vs. Navy (at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough)
- Nov 7: Miami (FL) — This is the revenge game everyone is circling.
- Nov 21: Boston College
The big news for 2026 is actually who isn't on the schedule. For the first time in forever, the USC game is off the books for this cycle. They've replaced that slot with a trip to BYU later in the year.
What’s Happening in South Bend Right Now?
Even though there’s no football today, the athletic department is still moving. If you really need an Irish fix today, the No. 23 Notre Dame Women’s Basketball team is playing No. 9 Louisville at 6:00 PM ET. You can catch that one on the ACC Network.
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On the football side of things, it’s all about the "Portal Kombat." Marcus Freeman just landed a massive commitment from former Ohio State wideout Mylan Graham today. They are also reworking the coaching staff, bringing in Charlie Partridge for the defensive line. Basically, they are treating today like a workday to make sure they never get "snubbed" by a committee again.
Final Verdict on Today's Game Time
Honestly, it’s a bummer when you realize the season is over prematurely. To recap: there is no football game for the Irish today because they opted out of the bowl cycle following their exclusion from the College Football Playoff.
If you want to stay ahead of the curve for the next season, keep an eye on the NBC and Peacock schedules. Most of those home games, like the one against Michigan State in September, will likely land in the 3:30 PM ET or 7:30 PM ET slots. For now, the pads are in storage.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Sync Your Calendar: Head over to the official Fighting Irish website and download the 2026 schedule to your phone so you don't miss the Lambeau Field opener in September.
- Watch the Competition: Keep an eye on the National Championship this Monday. Since Miami (who took the Irish's playoff spot) is playing, it’ll give you a good look at what Notre Dame needs to overcome next season.
- Follow the Transfer Portal: Check sites like UHND or 247Sports today to see the official signing of the new defensive transfers that just joined the roster.