You want to catch every Fighting Irish game this season, but tracking dates, opponents, and broadcast channels across multiple platforms feels impossible. Missing a rivalry showdown or showing up an hour late to your tailgate because of a time zone mix-up ruins the experience fast. This guide breaks down the complete notre dame football schedule so you can plan your entire fall around every snap.
Full 2025 Notre Dame Football Schedule at a Glance
The notre dame football schedule for 2025 features a mix of ACC opponents, traditional rivals, and high-profile non-conference clashes. Head coach Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish will play seven home games at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana, alongside five road or neutral-site contests.
Below is the projected regular-season framework. Exact kickoff times and TV assignments shift throughout the year, so always verify details on FightingIrish.com before making travel plans.
| Week | Date (Projected) | Opponent | Location | Conference |
| 1 | Late August | TBD (Non-Conference) | Notre Dame Stadium | Independent |
| 2 | Early September | TBD (Non-Conference) | Notre Dame Stadium | Independent |
| 3 | Mid-September | ACC Opponent | Away | ACC |
| 4 | Late September | ACC Opponent | Notre Dame Stadium | ACC |
| 5 | Early October | Rivalry Opponent | Neutral Site | Independent |
| 6 | Mid-October | ACC Opponent | Notre Dame Stadium | ACC |
| 7 | Late October | ACC Opponent | Away | ACC |
| 8 | Early November | ACC Opponent | Notre Dame Stadium | ACC |
| 9 | Mid-November | Navy | Notre Dame Stadium | Independent |
| 10 | Late November | USC | Away | Independent |
| 11 | Late November | ACC Opponent | Notre Dame Stadium | ACC |
| 12 | Early December | ACC Opponent | Away | ACC |
Source: FightingIrish.com Official Schedule
Home Games at Notre Dame Stadium
Notre Dame Stadium seats roughly 77,000 fans and ranks among the most iconic venues in college football. The 2025 notre dame football schedule allocates seven home dates, giving South Bend plenty of game-day energy from late August through November.
Walking through the campus on a Saturday morning, past the golden dome and Touchdown Jesus, delivers an experience no television screen can replicate. Arrive early, grab a spot near the grotto, and soak in the traditions that date back over a century.
| Home Game # | Projected Month | Opponent Type | Stadium Capacity |
| 1 | August | Non-Conference | 77,622 |
| 2 | September | Non-Conference | 77,622 |
| 3 | September | ACC | 77,622 |
| 4 | October | ACC | 77,622 |
| 5 | November | ACC | 77,622 |
| 6 | November | Navy | 77,622 |
| 7 | November | ACC | 77,622 |
Away Games and Neutral-Site Matchups
Road games test any team’s grit, and the Fighting Irish face several tough environments in 2025. The notre dame football schedule includes trips to ACC stadiums known for hostile crowds and loud student sections.
Neutral-site games, including the annual Shamrock Series, add a unique wrinkle. These matchups take place in NFL stadiums or major metropolitan venues, giving alumni across the country a chance to rally behind the Irish without traveling to South Bend.
| Game Type | Count | Typical Venues |
| ACC Road Games | 3–4 | Clemson, Florida State, Miami |
| Neutral-Site | 1 | NFL Stadium (Shamrock Series) |
| Rivalry Road | 1 | Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (USC) |
Key Rivalry Games You Cannot Miss
Rivalry week defines college football, and the notre dame football schedule carries three matchups that generate national buzz every single year.
- USC Trojans: The Jeweled Shillelagh rivalry dates back to 1926 and remains one of the most storied series in the sport. The 2025 meeting likely lands in late November at the LA Coliseum.
- Navy Midshipmen: This series has run uninterrupted since 1927, making it the longest continuous intersectional rivalry in Division I football.
- Stanford Cardinal: Though scheduling shifts occur, the Fighting Irish and Cardinal have built a fierce modern-era rivalry that often carries playoff implications.
Circle these dates on your calendar the moment official announcements drop.
Notre Dame Football Schedule by Month
Breaking the notre dame football schedule into monthly chunks helps you plan travel, time off work, and viewing parties with ease.
| Month | Games | Key Notes |
| August | 1 | Season opener, typically a non-conference tune-up |
| September | 3 | Mix of home and away, ACC play begins |
| October | 2–3 | Rivalry spotlight, Shamrock Series possible |
| November | 4 | Heaviest month, Navy and USC games land here |
| December | 0–1 | Regular-season finale, ACC Championship eligibility |
TV Broadcast and Streaming Details
Knowing where to watch matters just as much as knowing when to watch. The notre dame football schedule features broadcasts across multiple networks due to the program’s unique media agreements.
- NBC / Peacock: Notre Dame’s long-standing deal with NBC Sports covers most home games. Peacock streams select matchups exclusively.
- ESPN / ABC: Road ACC games and neutral-site contests often land on ESPN family networks.
- ACC Network: Additional conference matchups air on ACCN, available through most cable and streaming providers.
| Network | Game Type | Streaming Option |
| NBC | Home Games | Peacock |
| ESPN / ABC | Road / Neutral | ESPN+ |
| ACC Network | ACC Matchups | ACCN App |
Source: ESPN College Football
How ACC and Independent Status Affect Scheduling
Notre Dame occupies a rare position in college football. The Fighting Irish compete as an independent in football while holding ACC membership for all other sports. This hybrid model shapes the notre dame football schedule in specific ways.
Each season, Notre Dame plays five ACC opponents as part of its scheduling agreement. The remaining seven slots stay open for traditional rivals, non-conference powerhouses, and neutral-site showcases. This flexibility gives the program a national footprint that few schools can match.
The arrangement also means Notre Dame remains eligible for the College Football Playoff as an independent, adding extra stakes to every game on the slate.
Notre Dame Football Bowl Game History and Projections
A strong regular season pushes the Fighting Irish toward major bowl destinations. The notre dame football schedule sets the stage for postseason opportunities that include the College Football Playoff, Fiesta Bowl, Sugar Bowl, and Orange Bowl.
| Bowl Game | Typical Tie-In | Last Appearance |
| College Football Playoff | At-Large | 2024 Season |
| Fiesta Bowl | At-Large | 2022 Season |
| Sugar Bowl | At-Large | 2018 Season |
| Camping World Bowl | ACC Affiliation | 2019 Season |
Postseason projections shift weekly based on rankings, so follow the AP Poll and CFP committee releases starting in October.
Tailgating and Game Day Tips for Fans
Game day in South Bend starts long before kickoff. Fans flood the campus lots by 6 a.m., firing up grills and setting up cornhole boards beneath the golden dome.
- Parking: Reserve a spot through the official Notre Dame athletics portal early. Lots fill fast for rivalry games.
- Weather: Late-season games in northern Indiana bring cold winds and occasional snow. Layer up and bring hand warmers.
- Traditions: Walk to the grotto, touch the “Play Like a Champion Today” sign, and join the trumpet section for the alma mater after the game.
These small rituals turn a regular Saturday into a lifelong memory.
How to Buy Tickets for Notre Dame Football Games
Ticket demand for the notre dame football schedule spikes every year, especially for USC and Navy matchups. Here is the simplest path to securing seats:
- Official Athletics Site: Visit FightingIrish.com and navigate to the football ticketing section.
- Season Ticket Waitlist: Join the waitlist if you plan to attend multiple games. Priority goes to alumni and donors.
- Secondary Market: Verified platforms like StubHub and SeatGeek offer resale tickets, but prices climb as game day approaches.
- Student Section: Current Notre Dame students claim tickets through the university’s student portal on a first-come basis.
Buy early, verify your source, and avoid deals that seem too good to be true.
Historical Schedule Trends and Notable Seasons
Looking back at past schedules reveals patterns that help predict future slates. Notre Dame consistently schedules at least one top-10 non-conference opponent and maintains its core rivalry block every November.
| Season | Record | Notable Opponent | Bowl Result |
| 2024 | 14–1 | Ohio State (CFP) | CFP National Championship Game |
| 2023 | 10–3 | USC | Sun Bowl Win |
| 2020 | 10–2 | Clemson | Rose Bowl |
| 2018 | 12–1 | Michigan | Cotton Bowl |
Source: NCAA Football Records
These results show that the program consistently stacks its schedule with elite competition, which strengthens its playoff résumé year after year.
What Changes to Expect in Future Schedules
College football scheduling evolves constantly. Conference realignment, the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff, and new media rights deals all influence how the notre dame football schedule takes shape beyond 2025.
- Expanded Playoff: More at-large bids mean Notre Dame can afford to schedule tougher non-conference opponents without fearing a single loss will end its postseason hopes.
- ACC Rotation: The five-game ACC commitment may shift as the conference adds or loses members in coming years.
- International Games: The NCAA has explored regular-season games in Ireland and the UK, which could add a global chapter to future schedules.
Stay connected to official announcements each February when the following season’s framework typically drops.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Notre Dame football season start in 2025?
The Fighting Irish typically open their season during the final weekend of August or the first weekend of September. Check FightingIrish.com for the confirmed date once the athletic department finalizes the slate.
Where can I watch Notre Dame football games?
Most home games air on NBC and stream on Peacock. Road and neutral-site contests appear on ESPN, ABC, or the ACC Network depending on the opponent and scheduling agreement.
How many home games does Notre Dame play each season?
Notre Dame plays seven home games at Notre Dame Stadium in a standard 12-game regular season. The remaining five games take place on the road or at neutral sites.
Does Notre Dame play in the ACC for football?
Notre Dame is not a full ACC football member but plays five ACC opponents each season as part of a scheduling partnership. The program maintains its independent status for playoff and bowl eligibility.
What is the biggest rivalry game on the Notre Dame football schedule?
The USC rivalry stands as the most prominent annual matchup. The Jeweled Shillelagh trophy and the national television audience make this late-November showdown a must-watch event.
How do I get tickets to Notre Dame football games?
Purchase tickets directly through FightingIrish.com, join the season ticket waitlist, or use verified resale platforms like StubHub. Buy early for the best prices and seat selection.
Plan Your Season Around the Fighting Irish
The notre dame football schedule gives you everything you need to lock in dates, book travel, and organize watch parties months in advance. College football moves fast, and the best games sell out before most fans realize the season is approaching.
Head to FightingIrish.com right now, bookmark the official schedule page, and sign up for email alerts the moment kickoff times and TV assignments go live. Grab your tickets, rally your crew, and get ready to yell “Go Irish” louder than ever this fall.