Notre Dame football announces its 2026 start time against Navy
Notre Dame and Navy have scheduled their 2026 matchup for a 12 p.m. ET kickoff on ABC or ESPN, continuing the rivalry's tradition of a noon start. The game is seen as a potential early-season test for Notre Dame, which is favored to win the National Championship and features quarterback C.J. Carr as a standout performer.
Notre Dame and Navy will face off in their annual rivalry game on September 5, 2026, at 12 p.m. ET, as announced by both programs. The broadcast will air on either ABC or ESPN, maintaining the matchup’s long-standing tradition of a noon kickoff, which provides strong national exposure without conflicting with prime-time games. The exact network for the broadcast will be confirmed closer to the game date. This time slot has been a staple for the rivalry, ensuring visibility for one of college football’s most historic matchups. Notre Dame’s dominance in recent years includes a 49-10 victory over Navy in 2025, where quarterback C.J. Carr threw for 218 yards and three touchdowns, contributing to the Irish’s seventh consecutive win over the Midshipmen. The game holds added significance for Notre Dame, which is entering the 2026 season with high expectations, including predictions of a College Football Playoff run and a potential National Championship appearance. Analysts like On3 Sports project Notre Dame to defeat Georgia in the title game, positioning the Navy matchup as a critical early-season test for a team with championship aspirations. Notre Dame’s relationship with ESPN and ABC remains strong, with the network frequently broadcasting the team’s neutral-site games and special matchups. The rivalry’s history, combined with Notre Dame’s recent success and strong recruiting classes, makes the 2026 game a focal point for college football fans.
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