Notre Dame Confirms 2026 Football Showdown With Rice, Renewing Long-Awaited Matchup After More Than A Decade Of Separation

The University of Notre Dame has officially announced that the Fighting Irish will face the Rice Owls during the 2026 college football season, marking the renewal of a series that has been dormant for over a decade. This announcement adds another intriguing layer to Notre Dame’s future schedules, and for fans of both programs, it stirs up memories of past meetings, anticipation of what’s to come, and the broader implications for both teams as they chart their paths toward national prominence.

The 2026 clash will be the first time Notre Dame and Rice meet on the gridiron since the 2014 season. In that contest, Notre Dame secured a 48-17 victory at Notre Dame Stadium in the season opener, showcasing the dominance of quarterback Everett Golson and giving fans an early taste of what turned out to be a promising campaign for the Irish. Since that matchup, both programs have taken different trajectories, with Notre Dame cementing its place among college football’s elite and Rice working to reclaim respectability and consistency under the national spotlight.

For Notre Dame, adding Rice to the 2026 slate represents more than just filling a schedule slot; it underscores the program’s continued commitment to crafting a diverse, national schedule that includes opponents from varying conferences, regions, and competitive backgrounds. Notre Dame’s independence in football has long given the Fighting Irish the flexibility to build schedules that not only test the roster but also reinforce the brand’s national identity.

Rice University, hailing from Houston, Texas, will view this matchup as an opportunity to showcase its growth on one of college football’s grandest stages. Though traditionally seen as an underdog against powerhouse programs like Notre Dame, Rice’s commitment to improving its football pedigree cannot be overlooked. In recent years, the Owls have made strides under their current leadership, investing in facilities, recruiting, and player development with an eye toward climbing the ranks of Group of Five programs.

The history between Notre Dame and Rice, while limited, carries its own narrative. The two teams have faced each other on just four occasions, with Notre Dame winning all of those meetings. Despite the one-sided nature of the series, each contest has offered a unique storyline, from season openers to mid-season clashes that tested both squads’ resolve.

Their first meeting came in 1915, nearly 110 years before their next encounter in 2026. Notre Dame emerged victorious in that initial contest, and over the years, the Irish continued to assert their dominance over the Owls. Perhaps most notable was the 1973 meeting when Ara Parseghian’s Irish squad dispatched Rice en route to an eventual national championship. In many ways, games like those symbolize the broader stature of Notre Dame football—a program steeped in tradition, excellence, and an expectation of national title contention.

For the Rice Owls, traveling to South Bend represents more than just facing a top-tier opponent—it’s a litmus test for where the program stands. With Notre Dame’s long history of excellence, playing in front of the sea of blue and gold faithful at Notre Dame Stadium provides Rice players with the invaluable experience of competing on a historic field, under immense pressure, and against one of the sport’s most storied brands.

Notre Dame’s athletic department emphasized that this game continues the Irish’s commitment to hosting programs from across the college football landscape. Athletic Director Pete Bevacqua expressed excitement over the matchup, highlighting both the competitive opportunity and the historical connection between the schools.

“We are excited to welcome Rice back to South Bend in 2026,” Bevacqua said in the university’s official statement. “Our schedules are built to challenge our student-athletes, entertain our incredible fanbase, and respect the rich traditions of college football. Renewing a series like this one, after so many years, speaks to the enduring spirit of our program.”

For head coach Marcus Freeman, the 2026 game against Rice will be part of a broader season that likely carries lofty expectations. Freeman has already positioned Notre Dame as a perennial playoff contender, and with recruiting classes consistently ranked among the nation’s best, games like the one against Rice serve dual purposes. First, they provide developmental opportunities for emerging stars. Second, they reinforce the importance of maintaining focus and execution regardless of the opponent’s reputation.

If history is any indication, Notre Dame will enter the matchup as a heavy favorite, but recent seasons across college football have shown that underestimating any opponent can lead to shockwaves throughout the sport. Rice will undoubtedly embrace the role of underdog, seeking to disrupt expectations and potentially engineer one of the biggest upsets in program history.

The 2026 contest will also hold significance for Notre Dame’s growing footprint in Texas. In recent recruiting cycles, the Lone Star State has produced numerous high-profile prospects who have signed with the Irish. Hosting a Texas-based opponent offers yet another avenue for Notre Dame to showcase its brand to recruits and fans in one of the nation’s most talent-rich regions.

Moreover, the matchup aligns with Notre Dame’s tradition of blending marquee games with contests against programs eager to elevate their national status. By providing a platform for schools like Rice, Notre Dame contributes to the broader health of college football, reinforcing the belief that elite programs can—and should—engage with a wide array of opponents.

As of now, specific details regarding the date and kickoff time for the 2026 meeting remain forthcoming. However, the announcement itself has already sparked conversations among alumni, fans, and analysts eager to dissect the implications for both programs.

For Rice, preparing to face Notre Dame requires more than just Xs and Os. It demands a cultural and mental shift—an embrace of the spotlight, the pressure, and the legacy associated with stepping onto the field at Notre Dame Stadium. The Owls will likely lean on their coaching staff’s experience and the developmental strides made in their program as they seek to rise to the occasion.

Meanwhile, for Notre Dame, every opponent, regardless of past results, presents an opportunity to sharpen competitive edges, experiment with roster depth, and reinforce the standards that have defined Irish football for generations. The 2026 clash with Rice, though a non-conference affair, will serve as yet another chapter in Notre Dame’s relentless pursuit of excellence.

In the grander scheme of college football scheduling, this announcement reflects the evolving dynamics of the sport. As playoff formats expand, conference affiliations shift, and television deals reshape the calendar, programs like Notre Dame must navigate a delicate balance between tradition and modern demands. Games like the one against Rice reflect that balance—honoring past rivalries, respecting emerging programs, and keeping the schedule both competitive and nationally relevant.

As the 2026 season draws nearer, anticipation will build not just for marquee clashes but for under-the-radar matchups like Notre Dame vs. Rice—games that carry the potential to surprise, to entertain, and to remind fans why every Saturday in college football matters.

For now, the stage is set. Notre Dame and Rice are poised to renew their long-dormant series, and with more than a decade separating their last meeting, both programs have changed, evolved, and prepared for this new chapter. Come 2026, under the bright lights of Notre Dame Stadium, history, tradition, and opportunity will collide once again.