Notre Dame Faces Rice at Home | Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football News

Notre Dame kicks off their 2026 home slate against Rice, a game that’s more about momentum than marquee matchups—but don’t sleep on it. After a solid win last week that boosted their ranking, the Irish face an unpredictable Rice offense that thrives on option plays and rushed for over 400 yards in their opener. Coach Freeman says his defense is ready for whatever Rice throws at them. With several players potentially heading to the NFL after this season, the home crowd will be electric—and the team must channel that energy into crisp execution. The Irish plan to dominate with the run early, control tempo, and avoid looking ahead. This win isn’t just a breather—it’s a foundation for the brutal Big Ten stretch ahead.

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