For the first time in almost six decades, Illinois and Notre Dame will meet on the football field as the two historic Midwestern programs announced a home-and-home series Tuesday.
The Fighting Illini will travel to South Bend on Sept. 4, 2027, before hosting the Fighting Irish at Memorial Stadium on Sept. 2, 2028.
The matchup will mark the first meeting between the two programs since 1968, ending a 59-year break.
Illinois Athletic Director Josh Whitman said scheduling Notre Dame has been a priority
since he arrived in Champaign in 2016, citing the programs’ shared Midwestern roots and longstanding traditions.
“We expect to see a lot of Orange and Blue next year in South Bend and believe the 2028 matchup in Champaign will be one of our most anticipated home games in decades,” Whitman said.
The two programs have met 12 times since 1898, including nine matchups between 1937 and 1946.
With Illinois selling out season tickets in each of the past two years, the athletic department has already launched a waiting list for 2027 season tickets. Fans hoping to secure tickets for the 2028 Notre Dame matchup are encouraged to purchase season tickets for the 2027 season.
Kickoff times and television information for both games will be announced at a later date.
