While Notre Dame may have its most star-studded roster in a while, there will be no shortage of talent lining up on the other side of the Irish as we preview the top ten players Notre Dame is set to face during the 2026 regular season.

While Notre Dame may have its most star-studded roster in a while, there will be no shortage of talent lining up on the other side of the Irish as we preview the top ten players Notre Dame is set to face during the 2026 regular season.

Notre Dame knocked off the Miami Hurricanes 69-54 on Thursday afternoon in an ACC Tournament Second Round matchup at Gas South Arena in Duluth, Georgia.

Last season, the Irish and Hurricanes defenses had drastically different impacts on their seasons. Notre Dame consistently called upon the defense to make big, clutch plays, which ultimately landed them in the CFP Championship. For Miami, their defense allowed 31 or more points in six games, including in the regular season finale loss at Syracuse, which cost the 'Canes a chance to compete in the CFP. We preview each team team's defense here.