Notre Dame opens 2026 season against Wisconsin at Lambeau Field
The No. 4 Fighting Irish begin their campaign in Green Bay against a Wisconsin side seeking a response after a 4–8 season.
Notre Dame will open the 2026 college football season against Wisconsin at Lambeau Field in Green Bay on 6 September, with kick-off scheduled for 7.30pm ET.
The Fighting Irish enter the fixture ranked No. 4 in the AP preseason poll. They began last season 0–2 but won their final 10 regular-season games, while defeats by Miami and Texas A&M kept them out of the College Football Playoff.
Wisconsin finished 4–8 in 2025 and has missed bowl games in each of the past two seasons. The programme is seeking improvement under coach Luke Fickell after his best season at Wisconsin produced a 7–6 record in 2023.
Quarterbacks will be central to the matchup. Notre Dame returns CJ Carr, identified by CBS Sports as one of the country’s leading passers in 2025 and a potential Heisman Trophy contender. Wisconsin has recruited transfer quarterback Colton Joseph, who recorded more than 2,600 passing yards, 1,000 rushing yards and 34 total touchdowns for Old Dominion in 2025.
Notre Dame will also be replacing offensive playmakers Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, who entered the NFL Draft. FanDuel listings cited by CBS Sports make Notre Dame a 20.5-point favourite, with the over/under set at 46.5 points. CBS Sports’ recommendation to cover the spread is an analysis, while the quoted betting figures may change.
