Rivalries Rekindled in Week 0
The opening week of the college football season brings a fresh storyline: several former Notre Dame standouts have swapped the Fighting Irish for rival programs, setting up intriguing matchups right from the start.
Braylon James, who starred at wide receiver for Notre Dame, has transferred to TCU and will be on the opposite sideline when the Horned Frogs meet North Carolina in Dublin. The game also marks Bill Belichick’s second season at the helm of TCU, adding a layer of intrigue to the Irish‑born matchup.
Rico Flores Jr., another former Irish player, is currently sidelined by injury, but his absence underscores the stakes of Virginia’s ACC showdown with NC State. Both teams are eyeing a spot in the ACC Championship Game, making the contest a pivotal checkpoint for their playoff aspirations.
Kennedy Urlacher, who contributed on special teams and defense for Notre Dame, now wears a USC uniform. Last season he logged 21 tackles, an interception and a sack for the Trojans, and he will be a key piece as USC opens its season against San Jose State under head coach Lincoln Riley, who is steering the program toward a playoff push.
Karson Hobbs, a defensive back who left Notre Dame for Florida State, recorded his first career interception against NC State last year. The Seminoles are looking to rebound from a 7‑17 season, and Hobbs’s play will be central to their defensive resurgence.
Stanford, another future Notre Dame opponent in the 2026 slate, begins its schedule by hosting Hawaii before the two schools meet on October 17. The early games set the tone for a season that could see the Irish face a series of formidable rivals.
With a cascade of transfers and new storylines, the 2026 season promises to be one of transition and opportunity. Former Irish players are now scattered across the country, each poised to influence the narrative of their new teams as the schedule unfolds.