Big news out of Provo this week: BYU and Notre Dame are officially set to face off in a newly announced home-and-home series, starting next season. The Cougars will host the Irish in 2026 and then make the return trip to South Bend in 2027. While exact dates haven’t been locked in yet, reports suggest that the 2026 matchup will take place in October.
This is more than just two big-name programs filling out their schedules - it’s a high-profile clash that brings together two storied, independent-rooted programs with deep traditions and strong identities. And it comes at a perfect time for BYU, who just had their previously scheduled series with Cal for those same years fall through. Notre Dame steps in as a marquee replacement, and it’s hard to imagine a more compelling swap.
BYU Athletic Director Brian Santiago expressed excitement about the deal, calling it an opportunity to showcase two respected programs that share similar values. Both BYU and Notre Dame are private, faith-based institutions with national followings, and the matchup brings a unique flavor to the college football landscape. On the sidelines, it’s also a battle of respected head coaches in Kalani Sitake and Marcus Freeman - two leaders who’ve earned high praise for the cultures they’ve built and the competitiveness of their teams.
From a scheduling standpoint, this move finalizes BYU’s opponents for both the 2026 and 2027 seasons. The Cougars will now have seven home games in 2026, with Notre Dame headlining a slate that also includes Utah Tech, Arizona, Arizona State, Baylor, Iowa State, and Cincinnati. That’s a strong mix of Power Five and Group of Five competition, and it gives BYU fans plenty to look forward to at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
In terms of non-conference play, BYU’s 2026 trio includes Utah Tech and Notre Dame at home, with a road trip to Colorado State. The 2027 non-conference schedule features Weber State and Oregon State in Provo, followed by the highly anticipated visit to Notre Dame.
As for why the 2026 game is expected to land in October, it comes down to logistics. BYU was originally set to play Cal on September 12, but Notre Dame already hosts Rice that weekend, pushing the Cougars-Irish game later into the fall. That also adds a little extra intrigue - a midseason showdown between two nationally recognized programs could carry even more weight in the College Football Playoff conversation, depending on how the year unfolds.
And for fans keeping score at home, Notre Dame hasn’t played in Provo since 2004. That’s a long gap for two teams that have crossed paths before and clearly respect each other’s place in the sport. This series brings that connection back to the forefront, and it’s one that should resonate across the college football landscape.
Bottom line: BYU just landed a premier matchup that boosts their national profile and gives Cougar Nation a reason to circle the calendar - twice.