September 19, 2026 · 7:30 PM ET · NBC / Peacock
Kickoff: September 19, 2026 at 7:30 PM ET from Notre Dame Stadium. Schedule and broadcast information can change.
Notre Dame and Michigan State renew one of the Midwest’s great football relationships in primetime—their first meeting since 2017.
This is a series built on proximity, respect, and more than a few bruising Saturdays. A night kickoff gives the rivalry a full day to simmer before the stadium lights take over.
“We want to keep our poise.”
Lou Holtz, first Notre Dame locker-room speech ↗
Three pieces of history to carry into kickoff. Series figures come from Notre Dame’s official 2026 schedule announcement.
A quick path through the history that gives this 2026 meeting its identity.
These are the questions worth carrying into the game—not predictions, but guideposts for watching it unfold.
Go deeper with the official programs, the wider rivalry story, and tools for planning your own Notre Dame weekend.
Use the First Visit guide to build a weekend around campus traditions, travel, tailgating, and the moments you do not want to miss.