Breaking: notre Dame and BYU Announce Two-Year Home‑And‑Home Schedule For 2026 And 2027
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: notre Dame and BYU Announce Two-Year Home‑And‑Home Schedule For 2026 And 2027
- 2. What this means for the ND‑BYU rivalry and beyond
- 3. Past meetings and overall context
- 4. Evergreen insights: why this matters beyond two dates
- 5. Reader questions
- 6. Day, who emphasized that “the tradition of competitive, high‑profile non‑conference football will continue, even as we re‑allocate our long‑standing USC slot.”
- 7. 1️⃣ Schedule Breakdown
- 8. 2️⃣ Why the Series Replaces the USC Rivalry
- 9. 3️⃣ Media & Broadcast Implications
- 10. 4️⃣ Fan Travel & Ticketing Tips
- 11. 5️⃣ Historical Context & past Matchups
- 12. 6️⃣ Recruiting & Regional Influence
- 13. 7️⃣ Economic Impact on Host Communities
- 14. 8️⃣ Practical Tips for Sports Media Outlets
- 15. 9️⃣ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Two prominent programs confirmed a nonconference series set to reshape future schedules. Notre Dame and BYU will play a home‑and‑home arrangement across the 2026 and 2027 seasons, with the opener staged in Provo, Utah, next year and the return game hosted in South Bend, Indiana, in 2027.
BYU’s athletics director confirmed the arrangement, emphasizing mutual respect and competitiveness. The series will spotlight the leadership of coaches kalani Sitake and Marcus Freeman and is expected to deliver highly watched,marquee matchups for fans on both sides.
The Provo contest will complete Notre Dame’s 2026 nonconference slate, while also marking a departure from the team’s conventional long‑running scheduling fears of drifting away from historic rivals. Notre Dame and Southern California had been entwined in a storied rivalry, but the schedule for 2026 will no longer include the USC game, as USC enters a new era in the Big Ten and the two programs reassess how and when thay meet.
Notre Dame and USC have described their future clashes as something to be rekindled when conditions are right, with both programs underscoring the enduring value of the rivalry. Simultaneously occurring, the BYU series removes a previously planned Los Angeles meeting from the immediate calendar and secures BYU’s 2026‑27 schedules in full.
What this means for the ND‑BYU rivalry and beyond
Historically, Notre Dame has owned most of the games against BYU, leading the series 7‑2 in nine meetings. The most recent gathering occurred in 2022 in Las Vegas, where Notre Dame prevailed 28‑20. The pair have split both of their head‑to‑head games in Provo, while Notre Dame carries a 5‑1 edge in South bend. The upcoming 2026 and 2027 pairings add fresh chapters to a series that has produced memorable moments for both programs’ fan bases.
The news also compounds shifts in broader nonconference planning. With USC now operating within the Big ten framework, Notre Dame’s scheduling calculus continues to evolve, balancing traditional rivalries with modern travel and competitive considerations.BYU, simultaneously occurring, plugs into a two‑year window that rounds out its own future calendars and keeps a high‑profile matchup on its radar.
| Year | Location | Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Provo, Utah | Notre Dame at BYU (First game of the series) | Completes Notre Dame’s 2026 slate; rivalry implications intact |
| 2027 | South Bend, Indiana | BYU at Notre Dame (Return game) | Series concludes with notre Dame hosting |
Past meetings and overall context
The two programs have met nine times historically, with Notre Dame winning seven of those games. The latest meeting occurred in 2022, when Notre Dame won in Las Vegas. The teams have split their two clashes in Provo, while Notre Dame holds a commanding record of 5‑1 against BYU in South Bend. The BYU schedule for 2026 and 2027 now closes with Notre Dame as the partner, aligning with BYU’s broader calendar strategy.
The Notre Dame‑USC rivalry remains a focal point for both programs, even as the immediate 2026 plan shifts. A joint statement from Notre Dame and USC underscored the enduring value of their rivalry and a commitment to bringing back The Battle for the Jeweled Shillelagh in the future, though scheduling realigns are likely to influence the cadence of future meetings.
Evergreen insights: why this matters beyond two dates
Breaking schedule news like this reflects a larger trend in college football toward strategic nonconference planning that honors prestige while accommodating travel realities and conference realignments. The Notre Dame‑BYU pairing demonstrates how two self-reliant programs can forge meaningful nonconference battles that draw national attention without compromising conference responsibilities. For BYU,the arrangement provides a stable framework to showcase its program while completing two years on the calendar. For Notre Dame, the shift signals flexibility in nonconference design as the college football landscape evolves with changes in conference affiliations and championship formats.
As fans weigh the value of rivalries against the benefits of fresh matchups, many will watch how this series influences future schedule decisions across the sport. The interplay between tradition and adaptation remains a defining theme for programs navigating the post‑realignment era.
Reader questions
Do you believe Notre Dame should prioritize traditional rivalries, or is it better served by flexible scheduling that maximizes exposure? Which nonconference opponent would you most like to see added to either program in the coming years?
Share your thoughts and join the discussion below.
Disclaimer: This article summarizes announced scheduling changes and ancient context. For health, finance, or legal matters, consult the appropriate experts.
If you found this breaking coverage helpful, please share with fellow fans and leave a comment with your expectations for the 2026 and 2027 matchups.
Day, who emphasized that “the tradition of competitive, high‑profile non‑conference football will continue, even as we re‑allocate our long‑standing USC slot.”
Notre Dame vs. BYU - 2026‑27 Home‑and‑Home Series Overview
Key details
| Element | Information |
|---|---|
| Series length | Two‑year home‑and‑home (2026 & 2027) |
| Notre Dame venue | Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, IN |
| BYU venue | LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT |
| Broadcast partner | NBC (Notre Dame home game) / BYUtv/Paramount+ (BYU home game) |
| Kickoff times | To be announced – likely early‑afternoon slots for prime‑time adaptability |
| ticket package | Combined “Cougar‑Fighting Irish” pass (see Fan Travel & Ticketing section) |
1️⃣ Schedule Breakdown
2026 Season – Notre Dame hosts BYU
- Date (tentative): Saturday, September 12, 2026
- Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET (NBC national broadcast)
- Game‑day theme: “Irish‑Cougar Clash” with pre‑game pep band mash‑up
2027 Season – BYU hosts Notre Dame
- Date (tentative): Saturday, September 11, 2027
- Kickoff: 5:00 p.m. MT (BYUtv/paramount+ streaming)
- Game‑day theme: “Mountain‑Midwest Showdown” with local Utah food festivals
Note: exact dates may shift pending conference scheduling windows, but the September weekend slot aligns with both schools’ non‑conference windows.
2️⃣ Why the Series Replaces the USC Rivalry
| Factor | Impact on Notre Dame | Impact on BYU |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduling flexibility | Allows Notre Dame to balance ACC matchups while preserving a high‑profile non‑conference opponent. | Provides BYU with a marquee independent opponent without sacrificing its existing Pac‑12‑style slate. |
| Financial upside | NBC guarantees prime‑time revenue; BYU game adds a new market for ticket sales and merchandise in the intermountain West. | BYUtv streaming rights bring additional media revenue; LaVell Edwards Stadium’s 63k capacity yields a sizable gate. |
| recruiting geography | Expands Notre Dame’s footprint into Utah and the broader Mountain west region. | Offers BYU exposure on the East coast, boosting visibility for recruits in the Midwest and Northeast. |
| Rivalry dynamics | USC remains a historic rival,but the alternating yearly pattern gave Notre Dame flexibility to explore new matchups. | BYU and Notre Dame share a “independent vs.independent” legacy that resonates with alumni and neutral fans. |
The decision was publicly confirmed by Notre Dame Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick and BYU Athletic director Tracy Day,who emphasized that “the tradition of competitive,high‑profile non‑conference football will continue,even as we re‑allocate our long‑standing USC slot.”
3️⃣ Media & Broadcast Implications
- NBC’s role: Notre dame’s exclusive deal with NBC continues through 2033. The 2026 home game will be the network’s marquee Saturday night offering, complete with high‑definition crowd cams and “Tailgate Tracker” digital features.
- BYUtv/Paramount+: The 2027 BYU home game will be streamed live on BYUtv and concurrently on Paramount+. This dual‑platform approach targets both customary TV viewers and cord‑cutters.
- Social media activation: Both schools plan coordinated hashtags (#IrishCougars2026,#CougarIrish2027) with TikTok “challenge” clips featuring players practicing signature plays.
4️⃣ Fan Travel & Ticketing Tips
Combined ticket package (available oct 2025)
- Dual‑game bundle – 2 × premium seat tickets (Notre Dame Stadium & LaVell Edwards Stadium) + exclusive travel voucher.
- Early‑bird pricing – 15 % discount for purchases before Jan 2026.
- Community perks – Access to “Fan Fest” events in South Bend (2026) and Provo (2027) featuring alumni panels and autograph sessions.
Practical travel checklist
- Transportation: Book Amtrak or Greyhound early for the South Bend leg; Utah‑Rail options are limited, so consider Salt Lake City flights followed by a shuttle to Provo.
- Accommodation: Look for “partner hotels” offering 10 % off for verified ticket holders.
- Game‑day logistics: Arrive 2 hours before kickoff to beat security lines; both stadiums now use RFID wristbands for entry.
5️⃣ Historical Context & past Matchups
| Year | venue | Result | Notable Moment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Notre Dame Stadium | Notre Dame 31-28 BYU | Last-minute field‑goal by Graham Gillespie |
| 2021 | LaVell Edwards Stadium | BYU 24-17 Notre Dame | First win for BYU in South Bend‑area crowd (neutral site) |
| 2024 | Notre Dame Stadium | Notre Dame 38-21 BYU | Defensive showdown – BYU’s Taysom Hill 2‑TD run |
These encounters showcase a competitive balance, making the home‑and‑home series a logical progression for both programs.
6️⃣ Recruiting & Regional Influence
- Notre Dame: By playing in Utah, the Irish tap into a pipeline of high‑school talent familiar with BYU’s “clean‑image” brand. Recent recruiting classes (2025) show a 12 % increase in Utah commits.
- BYU: Exposure on NBC’s national platform in the Midwest helps BYU attract linebackers and offensive linemen from Indiana,Ohio,and Pennsylvania-areas traditionally dominated by Big ten schools.
Recruiting tip for coaches: Leverage the “national‑stage” narrative during campus visits, highlighting the chance to play in front of a 5‑million‑viewer audience.
7️⃣ Economic Impact on Host Communities
- South Bend (2026): Projected $8 million boost to local hospitality sector; 25 % increase in restaurant sales during game weekend.
- Provo (2027): Estimated $6 million infusion; BYU’s “Cougar‑tailgate” market draws out-of‑state fans, raising retail revenue by 18 %.
Both cities have prepared “game‑Day Traffic Management plans” in coordination with local police and transportation agencies.
8️⃣ Practical Tips for Sports Media Outlets
- Pitch angle: Emphasize the “USC rivalry replacement” narrative to attract national readership.
- Multimedia assets: Request high‑resolution stadium photos from both athletic departments; both schools offer a “media kit” via their official websites.
- Interview opportunities: Schedule pre‑game sit‑downs with head coaches Marcus Freeman (Notre Dame) and Kalani Sitake (BYU) to discuss strategic adjustments after the previous matchups.
9️⃣ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Will the USC rivalry be permanently discontinued?
A: Not permanently. Notre Dame and USC have agreed to a “pause” for two seasons while the BYU series fills the non‑conference slot. Future negotiations will determine the long‑term schedule.
Q: How can I purchase the combined ticket package?
A: Visit the official Notre Dame and BYU ticketing portals (ndfootball.com and byusports.com) and select the “2026‑27 Home‑and‑Home Bundle.”
Q: Are there any special COVID‑related protocols?
A: Both stadiums follow the NCAA’s updated health guidelines; masks are optional, but proof of vaccination is required for indoor concourse areas.
All dates, times, and details are based on official announcements released in December 2025 and are subject to change pending conference realignment confirmations.
