Notre Dame Opens 2026 Campaign at Lambeau Field
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The fourth-ranked Fighting Irish face Wisconsin in a high-stakes season opener in Green Bay.
The fourth-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish will open their 2026 season on Sunday night at Lambeau Field against the Wisconsin Badgers, according to CBS Sports. This marks the highest Week 1 ranking for the Irish in two decades.
Notre Dame enters the contest as 21-point favorites. Head coach Marcus Freeman holds a 43-14 record over four years, which includes a trip to the 2024 national title game, as reported by CBS Sports. The Irish offense, which led all power teams last season with an average of 42 points per game, returns starting quarterback CJ Carr. Carr recorded 24 touchdowns and 2,741 passing yards last year, though the team must replace NFL-drafted running backs, including Jeremiyah Love.
Wisconsin is led by head coach Luke Fickell, who has seen a decline in wins from seven in his first season to five and then four, per CBS Sports. In an effort to improve an offense that ranked among the nation's worst last year, the Badgers utilized NIL funds to acquire running back Abu Sama from Iowa State and dual-threat quarterback Colton Joseph from Old Dominion.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. According to CBS Sports, a victory over Notre Dame at Lambeau would provide a significant boost to Fickell's job security.