The Anatomy of the Notre Dame Schedule: Volume II (Games 2-4)
- Alexander Madsen
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
The Irish take on Wisconsin this Sunday, September 6th, in the season opener at the legendary Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Following the Shamrock Series, Notre Dame will play Rice in the home opener, then Michigan State at home before the Irish travel southwest to challenge in-state rival Purdue. The natural inclination is that this three-game stretch features three "easy wins". However, Freeman knows better than anybody that Notre Dame shouldn't underestimate early season opponents.
September 12th vs Rice
2025 Record - (4-8)
No. of Returning Offensive Starters - 3
No. of Returning Defensive Starters - 2
Rice is coming off a 4-8 bowl berth in 2025, with Scott Abell finishing his first year at the helm. Abell returns only three offensive and two defensive starters as the Owls prepare for the 2026/27 season.
Rice’s offensive attack was led by QB Chase Jenkins, who transferred to Kansas in the offseason. Now, the Owls offense will be led by Senior RB Quinton Johnson and transfer QB Jaccuri Brown. Brown was the backup to Carson Beck on the 2026 runner-up Miami Hurricanes.
The Owls' defensive attack was led by LB Andrew Awe, who graduated from Rice last spring. The Rice defense will be the determinant for how the team fares this season, considering the change of personnel over the offseason.
September 19th vs Michigan State
2025 Record - (4-8)
No. of Returning Offensive Starters - 2
No. of Returning Defensive Starters - 3
Although Notre Dame has a more storied connection to the Spartans’ in-state rival, the renewal of the Notre Dame/Michigan State rivalry will certainly be welcomed in South Bend. Michigan State rattled off three straight wins to kick off last season, before dropping seven in a row with a final win to finish 4-8. Now, with new Head Coach Pat Fitzgerald (the winningest coach in Northwestern football history) at the helm, the Spartan faithful are hungry for an upset against the storied Irish football program.
Michigan State only returns five starters from last season. Redshirt freshman Charles Taplin reportedly had an excellent offseason and will be looked at as the primary target within the receiver room. Another redshirt freshman, Jayden Savoury, also dominated over the offseason, as the TE reportedly added 13lbs to his frame.
The Spartan defensive unit retains a key component, with the leading tackler, LB Jordan Hall, returning. However, potentially more eyes will be set on redshirt sophomore CB Tyran Chappell. Chappell transferred from Sam Houston this offseason and is highly regarded as a potential breakout secondary defender in FBS this season.
September 26th at Purdue
2025 Record - (2-10)
No. of Returning Offensive Starters - 3
No. of Returning Defensive Starters - 4
Despite a disappointing 2-10 record, the Boilermakers retained more players than expected. Purdue has more competition in more spots than previously seen in past fall camps. Head coach Barry Odom is attempting to make the Boilermakers competitive this season, which is not an easy task playing in the Big Ten.
Purdue’s offense will be led by returning QB Ryan Browne, who suffered from accuracy issues as he finished with nine passing touchdowns and ten interceptions. Browne will benefit from a more robust receiving room, which will feature senior WR Chauncey Magwood among others. Finally, Purdue will benefit from two returning offensive linemen in Joey Tanona and Ethan Trent.
On the other side of the gridiron, the Boilermakers return four components in the defensive attack. Senior LB Charles Correa remarked that the LB room has plenty more depth than in years prior, and he is certainly correct. On top of the already improved backer room, the secondary unit for the Boilermakers will be remarkably improved compared to last year, with Defensive Backs Coach Charles Clark noting that “six or seven of his guys can play multiple positions,” thus adding to the secondary's versatility.
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