November 21, 2026 · 7:30 PM ET · NBC / Peacock
Kickoff: November 21, 2026 at 7:30 PM ET from Notre Dame Stadium. Schedule and broadcast information can change.
SMU visits for Notre Dame’s home finale and the first meeting between the programs since 1989.
Senior Night compresses years of work, friendship, setbacks, and victories into one walk through the tunnel. The opponent is new to this generation; the emotion is timeless.
“Don’t undersell yourself. Don’t undersell your dreams.”
Lou Holtz ↗
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.