The 2024 Notre Dame Football Schedule: A Season of Hope and Ambition
As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, college football fans eagerly anticipate the return of their beloved teams to the gridiron. For the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, the 2024 season is particularly significant. After finishing the 2023 season with a commendable 10-3 record, the Fighting Irish are setting their sights on a return to the College Football Playoffs for the first time since 2020. With a mix of formidable opponents and exciting matchups, the 2024 schedule promises to be a thrilling journey for players and fans alike.
Key Matchups to Watch
The 2024 Notre Dame football schedule is packed with intriguing games that could shape the landscape of college football. Here’s a closer look at some of the key matchups:
Opening Clash Against Texas A&M
The season kicks off with a highly anticipated showdown against No. 20 Texas A&M on August 31. This game, set to take place in College Station, Texas, will be broadcast on ABC at 7:30 p.m. ET. A victory here would not only set a positive tone for the season but also provide a significant boost in national rankings.
Home Opener Against Northern Illinois
Following the opener, the Fighting Irish return to South Bend to face Northern Illinois on September 7. This game, airing on NBC/Peacock at 3:30 p.m. ET, will be crucial for establishing momentum early in the season. After a narrow loss to the Huskies last year, the Irish will be eager to secure a win on their home turf.
Rivalry Game at Purdue
On September 14, Notre Dame travels to West Lafayette to take on Purdue. This rivalry game is always a highlight of the season, and with the Irish coming off a dominant 66-7 victory against the Boilermakers last year, fans will be hoping for a repeat performance. The game will be broadcast on CBS at 3:30 p.m. ET.
A Crucial Stretch in October
October features several pivotal matchups, including a home game against Florida State on November 9. This contest, which will be aired on NBC/Peacock at 7:30 p.m. ET, could have significant implications for both teams’ playoff aspirations. Additionally, the Irish will face Navy in a neutral-site game in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on October 26, which is always a spirited encounter.
The Road to the College Football Playoff
The 2024 season marks the introduction of a 12-team playoff format, which opens up new possibilities for teams like Notre Dame. With their strong performance in 2023, the Fighting Irish finished No. 14 in the final College Football Playoff rankings, just outside the coveted playoff spots. The expanded format means that a successful season could lead to a playoff berth, making every game critical.
Notable Dates in the Playoff Schedule
As the season progresses, fans will be keeping an eye on the playoff schedule. The first round of the playoffs is set for December 20-21, 2024, with the quarterfinals taking place on New Year’s Day 2025. The semifinals will follow on January 9 and 10, culminating in the National Championship game on January 20, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia. The Fighting Irish will be aiming to secure one of those coveted playoff spots and make a deep run in the postseason.
A Look Back at 2023
Before diving into the 2024 season, it’s worth reflecting on Notre Dame’s performance in 2023. The Fighting Irish maintained a spot in the AP Top 25 throughout the season, showcasing their resilience and talent. Despite a disappointing loss to unranked Clemson, they ended the season on a high note, dominating No. 19 Oregon State in the Sun Bowl with a resounding 40-8 victory. This strong finish has set the stage for a hopeful 2024 campaign.
2023 Season Highlights
- Opening Game: Notre Dame started the 2023 season with a commanding 42-3 win against Navy.
- Signature Wins: The Irish secured impressive victories against ranked opponents, including a 48-20 rout of No. 10 USC.
- Tough Losses: Close games against No. 6 Ohio State and No. 17 Duke highlighted the competitive nature of their schedule.
The Road Ahead
As the 2024 season approaches, the Fighting Irish are poised for a year filled with promise and potential. With a blend of returning talent and new recruits, head coach Marcus Freeman will be looking to guide his team back to national prominence. The schedule is set, the fans are ready, and the Fighting Irish are prepared to make their mark on the college football landscape once again.
For fans eager to follow every moment of the season, the complete 2024 Notre Dame football schedule is as follows:
2024 Notre Dame Football Schedule
| Opponent | Score | Date | Time (ET) | TV | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| at No. 20 Texas A&M | W, 23-13 | Saturday, Aug. 31 | 7:30 p.m. | ABC | College Station, Texas |
| vs. Northern Illinois | L, 16-14 | Saturday, Sept. 7 | 3:30 p.m. | NBC/Peacock | South Bend, Ind. |
| at Purdue | W, 66-7 | Saturday, Sept. 14 | 3:30 p.m. | CBS | West Lafayette, Ind. |
| vs. Miami (Ohio) | W, 28-3 | Saturday, Sept. 21 | 3:30 p.m. | NBC/Peacock | South Bend, Ind. |
| vs. Louisville | TBD | Saturday, Sept. 28 | 3:30 p.m. | Peacock | South Bend, Ind. |
| vs. Stanford | TBD | Saturday, Oct. 12 | 3:30 p.m. | NBC/Peacock | South Bend, Ind. |
| vs. Georgia Tech | TBD | Saturday, Oct. 19 | TBD | TBD | Atlanta, GA |
| vs. Navy | TBD | Saturday, Oct. 26 | 12 p.m. | ABC or ESPN | East Rutherford, N.J. |
| vs. Florida State | TBD | Saturday, Nov. 9 | 7:30 p.m. | NBC/Peacock | South Bend, Ind. |
| vs. Virginia | TBD | Saturday, Nov. 16 | 3:30 p.m. | NBC/Peacock | South Bend, Ind. |
| vs. Army | TBD | Saturday, Nov. 23 | 7 p.m. | NBC/Peacock | Bronx, N.Y. |
| at Southern Cal | TBD | Saturday, Nov. 30 | TBD | TBD | Los Angeles, CA |
With a schedule filled with excitement and potential, the Fighting Irish are ready to take on the challenges of the 2024 season. Fans can expect thrilling games, intense rivalries, and the hope of a return to the College Football Playoffs.