A historic rivalry returns to South Bend
The 2026 college football season will feature a rare back‑to‑back series between Notre Dame and Boston College, a rivalry that has come to be known as ‘The Holy War.’ The two schools last met in consecutive years during the 2011‑12 stretch, and the upcoming meetings will mark the first such occurrence in more than a decade.
Notre Dame enters the series with an 18‑9 edge in the all‑time ledger, highlighted by a 25‑10 victory in the 2025 matchup. However, the Irish will be without their top two running backs, Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, both of whom were selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, leaving a void in the backfield.
Quarterback CJ Carr, who was ranked third among FBS signal‑callers by *The Athletic* after throwing for 2,741 yards and 24 touchdowns last year, is expected to shoulder the offensive load. Joining him will be returning back Aneyas Williams, who posted 24 carries for an average of 9.3 yards per rush in 2025.
Offensive adjustments for the Irish
The Irish receiving corps will see new faces, with former Ohio State transfers Quincy Porter and Mylan Graham arriving to bolster the unit. Both players were highly touted by ESPN, providing depth and experience. Tight end Eli Raridon, drafted by the New England Patriots, has moved on, leaving Ty Washington and Jack Larsen as the primary returning options.
Defensively, Notre Dame returns 77 % of its 2025 production, including stalwarts such as Drayk Bowen and Adon Shuler. Adding three high‑profile transfers — Tionne Gray, Francis Brewu and Keon Keeley — and defensive lineman Boubacar Traore, who recorded 6.5 sacks in 2025, should strengthen the front line.
Boston College's uphill battle
Boston College is projected to finish near the bottom of the ACC and will face a schedule that includes several potential national championship contenders. The Eagles’ last visit to Notre Dame Stadium in 2022 ended in a loss, and they will look to reverse that trend on November 14, 2026.
Despite the challenging outlook, the matchup offers Boston College a chance to upset a formidable opponent and generate momentum for the program.