BYU, Notre Dame Set for Home-and-Home Clash in 2026 and 2027
Get ready, college football fans-two tradition-rich programs are about to write the next chapter in a series that’s quietly packed some punch over the years. BYU and Notre Dame have officially agreed to a home-and-home football series, with the Fighting Irish heading to Provo in 2026 and the Cougars making the return trip to South Bend in 2027.
For BYU, this isn’t just a marquee matchup-it’s a chance to welcome one of college football’s most storied programs back to LaVell Edwards Stadium for the first time in over two decades. And for Notre Dame, it’s a return to a familiar opponent that’s given them some hard-fought games over the years.
“We’re excited to announce this home-and-home series,” said BYU Director of Athletics Brian Santiago. “We have tremendous respect for Notre Dame, and these games will feature two of the best coaches in college football in Kalani Sitake and Marcus Freeman.”
This matchup offers more than just on-field intrigue. Both schools are private, faith-based institutions with strong football legacies and passionate fanbases. It’s a pairing that resonates beyond the sidelines, tapping into shared values and rich traditions.
A Series with History-and Some Heat
When Notre Dame visits Provo in 2026, it’ll mark the Irish’s third trip to LaVell Edwards Stadium and their first since 2004. That game saw BYU edge out a 20-17 win to open the season-a moment that still stands as one of the Cougars’ two victories in the all-time series.
Notre Dame currently holds a 7-2 edge in the series, including a 28-20 win in the most recent meeting, a neutral-site showdown in Las Vegas in 2022 as part of the Shamrock Series. But BYU fans will remember the Cougars’ 1994 win in South Bend, led by a young Kalani Sitake during his freshman season. That 21-14 victory remains one of the program’s more memorable road wins.
The last time BYU traveled to Notre Dame Stadium was in 2013, a cold, snowy afternoon that ended in a 23-13 Irish win. Despite the loss, BYU put up a fight-quarterback Taysom Hill ran for 247 yards, and the Cougars were within one score heading into the fourth quarter.
Looking Ahead: BYU’s 2026 and 2027 Schedules Take Shape
With Notre Dame now officially on the docket, BYU has locked in its full slate of opponents for both the 2026 and 2027 seasons-and there’s no shortage of intrigue.
In 2026, the Cougars will host seven games in Provo, including Big 12 matchups against Arizona, Arizona State, Baylor, Cincinnati, and Iowa State. The nonconference schedule features Notre Dame and Utah Tech, while road trips include a nonconference visit to Colorado State and Big 12 games at Kansas, TCU, UCF, and Utah.
The 2027 campaign brings another strong mix of opponents. BYU will host Big 12 foes Colorado, Kansas, Texas Tech, and archrival Utah, along with nonconference games against Oregon State and Weber State. On the road, the Cougars will visit Arizona State, Houston, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, and West Virginia-plus the highly anticipated trip to Notre Dame.
Kickoff times and broadcast details for all games in both seasons will be announced down the road, but one thing is already clear: BYU’s future schedules are loaded with big-stage opportunities, and the Notre Dame series is right at the heart of it.
This home-and-home isn’t just a scheduling win-it’s a statement. Two proud programs, two passionate fanbases, and two games that promise to deliver intensity, tradition, and a whole lot of intrigue. Mark your calendars.