It is Sunday, January 18, 2026. If you've got the itch to watch some blue and gold today, you're looking at a bit of a niche schedule. Usually, Sundays are massive for the big revenue sports, but today the major headlines are actually coming off a rough Saturday. Honestly, if you came here hoping for a major football bowl game or a primetime men's basketball matchup, you might be a day late or a few days early.
Basically, the "Big Three" (football, men’s basketball, and hockey) are all off today. But that doesn't mean the Irish are quiet. Far from it.
The Sunday Slate: Tennis and Fencing Take Center Stage
If you’re wondering who does Notre Dame play today, the action is primarily happening on the courts and the strips. It’s a double-header day for Women's Tennis back in South Bend. They are hosting a two-match slate at the Eck Tennis Pavilion. First up, they face Western Michigan at 11:00 AM ET. Later this afternoon, they’ll turn around and play Duquesne at 4:00 PM ET. It’s a heavy day of work for the women's squad, but playing at home usually gives them that extra boost.
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Meanwhile, the Fencing team—one of the most dominant programs in all of college sports—is out in Jamaica, New York. They are competing in the St. John's Invitational all day. This isn't just a casual meet; it's a high-stakes gathering of some of the best fencers in the country.
Why the Big Teams Aren't Playing Today
You might be asking why the men’s basketball team isn't on the court. Well, they’re likely still processing a tough road trip. Yesterday, January 17, the men's basketball team took a hard 89-76 loss to Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. It was their fourth loss in a row. They’re sitting at 10-8 overall right now and honestly, they need this break. They don't play again until Wednesday, January 21, when they head to Chapel Hill to face North Carolina.
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Hockey is in a similar boat. They just finished a grueling series at Penn State. After falling 4-1 on Friday and 6-3 yesterday, the guys are probably on a bus or a plane back to South Bend right now. They don’t hit the ice again until next Friday against Ohio State.
Looking Ahead: The Big Matchups Coming Up
Even though today is a bit quieter, the next 48 hours are going to be wild. Tomorrow, Monday, January 19, is the game everyone has circled. The No. 23 Notre Dame Women’s Basketball team travels to Storrs to take on UConn at 5:00 PM ET on FOX. That is a massive rivalry game. If you're a fan of the Irish, today is basically the calm before the storm.
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Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Check the Local Stream: If you're in South Bend, head over to the Eck Tennis Pavilion for the 4:00 PM match against Duquesne; it's usually free for fans.
- Set Your DVR: Make sure you've got FOX ready for tomorrow's 5:00 PM showdown between the Irish women and UConn.
- Track Fencing Results: Keep an eye on the official Fighting Irish social media accounts for updates from the St. John's Invitational, as those results usually trickle in late in the evening.
So, while the answer to who does Notre Dame play today might not include a football or basketball powerhouse, the grind never stops in South Bend. Whether it’s tennis or fencing, there’s still a chance to see the Irish compete before the big rivalry games kick off tomorrow.