Circle November 7, 2026, on your calendar - that’s when Miami heads to South Bend for a marquee matchup against Notre Dame that’s already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated games of the college football season.
According to industry sources, the date is locked in, and Miami has no plans to back out of the game, regardless of how the College Football Playoff selection process shakes out. That’s significant, especially as the CFP committee continues to wrestle with how to evaluate late-season matchups involving an independent like Notre Dame.
This game isn’t just a one-off, either. It’s part of Notre Dame’s long-standing scheduling agreement with the ACC, which ensures regular matchups with conference teams.
For Miami, that means trips to South Bend in 2026, 2028, 2031, and 2037, with the Irish visiting Miami in 2032 and 2034. So buckle up - this series isn’t going anywhere.
The timing of the 2026 game could work in Miami’s favor. A November showdown against a national power like Notre Dame gives the Hurricanes a golden opportunity to make a statement when it matters most. We’ve seen how much weight the committee gives to late-season performances, and if Miami is in the playoff hunt, a road win in South Bend could be a resume-defining moment.
That wasn’t the case this year. Had Miami pulled off a win over Notre Dame in early November, the CFP picture might look very different right now.
Instead, the loss left the Canes on the outside looking in. But 2026 offers a chance at redemption - and maybe even more.
Miami’s 2026 schedule is already taking shape, and it’s clear the ACC’s shift to a nine-game conference slate is shaking things up. The Hurricanes will host Florida A&M on September 12 and Central Michigan on September 26. South Carolina, originally on the future schedule, has been dropped to make room for the expanded ACC slate.
In conference play, Miami will host Boston College, Florida State, Pittsburgh, and Virginia Tech. Road trips include Clemson, North Carolina, Stanford, and Wake Forest. With 17 teams in the ACC, one school each year will play only eight league games - Miami’s ninth ACC opponent for 2026 has yet to be announced.
All of this sets the stage for a potentially massive clash in November. If both teams live up to expectations, Miami at Notre Dame could have major playoff implications - not just in terms of rankings, but in how the committee values games involving independents versus conference contenders.
And let’s be honest: a late-season battle between two storied programs like Miami and Notre Dame doesn’t need much help building hype. But with the stakes potentially sky-high, this one could be must-see TV.