Introduction
The thrill of college football lives in every tackle, every touchdown, and every Saturday-packed stadium. And when it comes to tradition, pride, and powerhouse competition, few programs match the legacy of Notre Dame. That’s why the Notre Dame football schedule 2024 is already sparking buzz—for students, alumni, superfans, and even casual fans.
Whether you’re planning campus tailgates, watching from home, or following every score on your phone, knowing the schedule helps you prepare, cheer, and stay 100% plugged in. The 2024 season is loaded with exciting matchups, top-ranked opponents, and championship-level stakes. And best of all, Notre Dame once again plays across the country, showcasing the blue and gold on the biggest stages.
In this full breakdown, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Notre Dame football schedule for 2024—opponents, dates, locations, key storylines, big games, FAQs, and more. It’s written in everyday language, making it easy to follow and fun to read—no matter your football know-how.
Let’s dive in.
The Big Picture: Notre Dame Football Schedule 2024 Overview
The Notre Dame football schedule 2024 includes 12 regular-season games. These are spread across some of the biggest programs and spotlight weekends in college football. Notre Dame remains independent, which means they aren’t locked into one specific conference. Instead, they choose unique opponents each year. This usually includes a mix of:
- ACC teams (due to a scheduling agreement)
- Classic rivals like USC and Navy
- National matchups against top-tier programs
The 2024 schedule features multiple prime-time games, tough road dates, and must-see matchups in South Bend.
Here’s a quick summary:
- 6 Home games
- 3 Road games
- 3 Neutral site or high-profile matchups
- Game dates: Late August through late November
Now, let’s break it all down.
Week 1 Kickoff: Notre Dame vs. Texas A&M (August 31)
The Irish start 2024 with a bang. Week 1 kicks off against SEC powerhouse Texas A&M on August 31 in College Station, Texas. This is a marquee matchup that will likely be broadcast nationally—and could have early playoff implications.
Why it matters:
- Facing an SEC team on the road is a serious test.
- Early exposure could boost Notre Dame’s rankings.
- It’s a new matchup, which adds excitement.
This game sets the tone for the entire 2024 season. Mark your calendar early!
Home Opener: Notre Dame vs. Northern Illinois (September 7)
The Irish return home in Week 2 to take on Northern Illinois on September 7 at Notre Dame Stadium. While Northern Illinois isn’t a football giant, don’t overlook this game.
Why fans should watch:
- It’s the home opener, where traditions like the pre-game walk and band show shine.
- Great chance to see newcomers and talent development.
- A calm before the Week 3 storm…
This is also one of the more family-friendly games on the 2024 schedule.
Week 3 Challenge: Notre Dame at Purdue (September 14)
This September 14 trip to Purdue brings regional bragging rights and Big Ten grit. Though Purdue isn’t always ranked, they’ve been known to pull off upsets at home.
Things to watch:
- A fun road environment close to South Bend.
- Another early test on the road before the schedule gets tougher.
- Possible Notre Dame alumni meetups in Indiana.
This game could stay close if the Irish aren’t careful.
Return to South Bend: vs. Miami (OH) (September 21)
On September 21, the Irish host Miami of Ohio. While not the same “Miami” powerhouse program from Florida, this MAC team has put up solid seasons in recent years.
Why it’s important:
- Tune-up game before a loaded October stretch.
- A chance to rest starters late and build depth.
- Can work on perfecting run and pass balance.
Home Saturday games like this one are perfect for tailgating and relaxing with family.
Midseason Showdown: Notre Dame vs. Louisville (September 28)
It gets serious fast—starting with a huge game against Louisville on September 28 in South Bend. Louisville had a strong recent season and is building into a real ACC contender.
Storylines to follow:
- Revenge match (if ND lost to Louisville previously).
- National spotlight potential given both teams’ rankings.
- Could shape bowl or playoff hopes.
This is a statement game on the Notre Dame football schedule 2024.
Rivalry Renewed: Notre Dame vs. Stanford (October 5)
Few games carry more tradition than Notre Dame’s yearly meeting with Stanford. This year’s face-off will be at home, making it easier for Irish fans to show up strong.
Why it matters:
- Long-standing Notre Dame-Stanford rivalry.
- Midseason momentum battle.
- Usually close scores and defensive grit.
This game is emotional, classic, and part of ND’s heart and history.
Trap Game Alert: Road Trip to Georgia Tech (October 19)
After a bye week, Notre Dame heads south to face Georgia Tech on October 19. This has all the makings of a “trap” game:
- Trick plays and unpredictable strategies from Tech.
- Hot Georgia weather (yes, it’s still warm then).
- Just enough danger to worry you—especially on the road.
Don’t sleep on this date. The Irish must stay sharp coming off the bye.
Halloween Weekend Thriller: Notre Dame vs. Navy (October 26)
The Navy game is a notebook classic. Played on October 26 at Notre Dame Stadium, it’s a game loaded with respect, emotion, and a totally different play style.
Why it’s a must-watch:
- Navy runs an option offense, which most teams don’t.
- It’s one of ND’s longest-standing rivalries.
- Always unpredictable—even when the Irish are favored big.
This game honors history and showcases discipline. Great for first-time fans too.
Monumental Game Ahead: Notre Dame at USC (November 30)
The last regular-season game on the Notre Dame football schedule 2024 is the big one—Notre Dame vs. USC, being played on November 30 in Los Angeles, California.
This is always a rivalry filled with trophy stakes, drama, and national buzz.
Big reasons to watch:
- Playoff-position possibilities often hang in the balance.
- Recruiting, tradition, and team pride are all on display.
- It’s one of the oldest rivalries in college football (since 1926).
If you’re a fan, this is the game to circle with a red marker—twice.
High Stakes: Playoff Dreams in 2024
Notre Dame fans always have eyes on the College Football Playoff. With a challenging and high-profile schedule, the Irish have a real shot—if they win big games.
What makes this schedule playoff-worthy:
- Two or more ranked opponents
- A notable SEC road game
- Balanced home/away split
- Strength in both September and November
To earn a playoff spot or New Year’s Six bowl berth, ND may need to go 11-1 or better. But with this lineup, it’s possible.
Can’t-Miss Home Games on the Schedule
If you’re hoping to catch a home game in 2024, here are the top home games to attend or stream:
- Louisville – Sept. 28: Huge middle-of-season test.
- Stanford – Oct. 5: Always a fan-favorite rivalry.
- Navy – Oct. 26: Honoring history and military culture.
- Northern Illinois – Sept. 7: The home opener energy is unmatched.
If you can only visit once, choose one of these weekends for the best game-day experience in South Bend.
Travel Tips for Away Games
Love to follow the team on the road? Here are some fun travel ideas based on the 2024 road games:
- Texas A&M (College Station): Catch the Aggie traditions and bring cool shade—Texas is hot in August!
- Purdue (West Lafayette): Close and driveable for many Midwest fans.
- Georgia Tech (Atlanta): Plan a weekend getaway in warmer weather.
- USC (Los Angeles): Great reason for a Thanksgiving break, with sun and football.
Make sure to book hotels early—Notre Dame fans travel strong.
FAQs
1. How many games are on the 2024 Notre Dame football schedule?
There are 12 regular-season games, including 6 at home, 3 on the road, and 3 key matchups.
2. Is Notre Dame in a football conference?
No, Notre Dame football is independent, but they play several ACC teams each year.
3. When is the Notre Dame vs. USC game in 2024?
Notre Dame travels to face USC on November 30, 2024, in Los Angeles.
4. Will Notre Dame play any SEC teams in 2024?
Yes! Notre Dame opens with a road game vs. Texas A&M on August 31—an SEC heavyweight.
5. What channel will Notre Dame games be on?
Most home games are on NBC. Road games may be on ESPN, ABC, or FOX, depending on opponent.
6. Can Notre Dame make the College Football Playoff in 2024?
Yes, if they finish the season strong—usually with 11 or more wins and key victories.
Conclusion
The Notre Dame football schedule 2024 is one of the most exciting lineups in years—filled with rivalry showdowns, crossover mega-games, and high-stakes playoff paths.
Whether you’re cheering from the stands in South Bend, tuning in from your living room, or following on your phone from across the globe—this schedule is made for moments fans will remember forever.
So mark your calendars. Wear your blue and gold. And get ready for a season of fight songs, fourth-down stops, and unforgettable wins.
