A Revamped Schedule for the Irish
Notre Dame has locked in its 2027 football schedule, a 12‑game slate that features the return of a storied matchup with Stanford and a debut contest against Kent State. The Irish will host the Golden Knights in South Bend, Indiana, United States, while the game against the Midwestern visitors marks the first meeting between the programs.
The renewed rivalry with Stanford is part of the Legends Trophy series, a competition that dates back to the 1924 Rose Bowl encounter. Notre Dame holds a 25‑14‑0 edge in the all‑time series and has won three straight meetings, underscoring the program’s historical dominance.
Head coach Marcus Freeman will guide the team through the upcoming season, with quarterback Riley Leonard expected to spearhead the offense. The schedule also highlights Notre Dame’s strong record against Mid‑American Conference opponents, standing 11‑1 all time, and the upcoming Kent State game will be the 90th distinct opponent faced by the Irish among the 138 current FBS teams.
Beyond the on‑field action, the coaching staff includes veteran voices such as Lou Holtz, whose past insights continue to shape the program’s philosophy, as well as pioneers like Knute Rockne and Pop Warner, whose legacies echo in today’s strategy. Assistant coaches Ed Chlebek, Pete Cordelli, Dean Pees and Gaethan Bernadel round out a diverse group that blends tradition with modern tactics.
The 2028 schedule is nearly complete, with 11 games set and one more to be added, promising further challenges and opportunities. As the Irish prepare to travel to Stanford, California, United States, and host opponents in Indiana, the blend of historic sites and new experiences reflects the program’s expanding footprint across the country.