The next two opponents on Notre Dame’s 2026 schedule both secured victories in their week 1 matchups.
The Notre Dame week 2 opponent, Rice, dominated Houston Christian on the ground in a 31-3 victory, and Michigan State was able to hold off Toledo 30-20 in head coach Pat Fitzgerald's coaching debut at his new school.
Rice visits Notre Dame on September 12 and will be coming off one of the most lopsided rushing performances of the opening weekend. The Owls ran for 465 yards on 70 attempts and limited Houston Christian to a single field goal in their meeting.
Owls' running back Tyvonn Byars led the way with a career-best 104 yards on 16 carries. Rice used 11 rushers in the game, which demonstrated a ground attack that Notre Dame coaches will have
to have their defense prepared for.
The Michigan State Spartans will be the Irish's week 3 opponent, and their game had a bit of a scare late. The Spartans led 19-7 at halftime of their matchup against Toledo, but the Rockets were able to tie the score up in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Alessio Milivojevic converted a fourth-down opportunity with 10:37 remaining to restore the lead for the Spartans.
Milivojevic completed 26 of 34 passes for 247 yards as the Spartans did control the game statistically. They outgained Toledo 397-273, getting 26 first downs compared to Toledo's 10.
Notre Dame will host Rice at 3:30 p.m. ET on Sept. 12 before renewing the Megaphone Trophy rivalry against Michigan State at 7:30 p.m. ET on Sept. 19.
Welcome to the new era pic.twitter.com/ppX39djnpR
— Michigan State Football (@MSU_Football) September 5, 2026
Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on X (Formerly Twitter), and like our page onFacebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions.
Follow Sunny on X:@thesunnyv
This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Notre Dame’s next two opponents open season with wins
