The IB team breaks down the 2026 Notre Dame schedule that features plenty of familiar faces, with half the slate made up of rivals and longtime opponents, creating a challenging but manageable path. The discussion examines whether the offense or defense will face the tougher tests, which teams improved the most through the transfer portal, and whether concerns about the schedule's depth beyond the top contenders are justified.

Shop for Irish Breakdown gear at our online store: https://ibstore.irishbreakdown.com/ Join the Irish Breakdown premium message board: https://boards.irishbreakdown.com

Stay locked into Irish Breakdown for all the latest news and analysis about Notre Dame: https://www.irishbreakdown.com​

Subscribe to the Irish Breakdown podcast on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/irish-breakdown/id1485286986

Like and follow Irish Breakdown on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/irishbreakdown

Sign up for the FREE Irish Breakdown daily newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/irish-breakdown-newsletter

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.