Next year’s Notre Dame football schedule just got another opponent. On Thursday, Notre dame announced a home game in 2026 versus the Rice Owls. Notre dame and Rice have met 5 times in the past with the Irish winning all 5 contests. Most recently, Notre Dame played Rice at home in 2014 (48-17) and 1988 (54-11).

T he Notre Dame football program is putting together a tremendous 2026 defensive line recruiting class right now. With defensive ends Rodney Dunham and Ebenezer Ewetade already in the class, the Fighting Irish are very strong on the edge. Add in Texas run stopper Tiki Hola, and they also have a solid foundation up the middle as well.

Not only does Notre Dame feature one of the best teams entering the 2025 college football season, but its schedule is also one of the best in the country.