Get your calendars marked for fall 2032 and 2033, because college football just dropped a bomb: the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Notre Dame Fighting Irish are officially bringing back their epic rivalry with a home-and-home series. This isn’t just some whispers, it’s a done deal, promising two absolute must-watch matchups that are already sending shockwaves through the sport.
A Clash of Titans: History and Future
So here’s the scoop: the Fighting Irish are rolling into Lincoln to face Nebraska on October 30, 2032. Then, in a true reciprocal fashion, the Cornhuskers are heading to South Bend to take on Notre Dame on October 29, 2033. Nebraska Director of Athletics Troy Dannen wasn’t holding back, calling this the “type of matchup that college football fans circle on their calendars years in advance.” And he’s not wrong! Our fans, heck, ALL college football fans, live for this kind of history and iconic venues. Nebraska’s faithful are gonna pack Lincoln, and you know they’ll travel in full force to South Bend, too. We’re talking about a rivalry that’s been dormant since September 8, 2001, when Nebraska beat Notre Dame 27-10 in Nebraska. That 2032 game will be only the third time these two legends have squared off since way back in 1948. Talk about a historic matchup with some serious back-and-forth; Nebraska currently holds the edge, 8-7-1 all-time against the Irish. You know that’s gonna add fuel to the fire!
Early Season Dominance: The 2026 Story So Far
While we’re all buzzing about 2032, let’s not forget what’s happening right now in the 2026 season. Both these programs are absolutely cooking, each sitting pretty at 2-0. Nebraska has looked formidable at home, absolutely torching the Ohio Bobcats in a 49-21 rout and then crushing the Bowling Green Falcons with a dominant 56-7 win. Meanwhile, the No. 3 AP-ranked Fighting Irish have been just as impressive, smashing the Wisconsin Badgers 41-13 at Lambeau Field, which is no small feat, and then shutting out the Rice Owls 52-0 at home.
The road ahead isn’t easy for either squad. Nebraska kicks off its Big Ten schedule on the road against the Michigan State Spartans on September 26, and get this: they’ve got four AP Top 25-ranked teams on their remaining schedule, including Indiana, Oregon, Ohio State, and Iowa. Notre Dame’s got its own gauntlet, with three more AP Top-25 ranked teams to face: BYU, Miami, and SMU. These are programs built to compete, and they’re proving it early.
Coaching Stability and Championship Aspirations
It’s clear both schools are committed to winning for the long haul. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule and Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman both inked new contracts with their programs within the last year, showing serious belief from the top. Rhule has compiled a 21-19 record at Nebraska since taking over in 2023, steadily building that program. But let’s be real, what Marcus Freeman has done at Notre Dame since 2021 is just straight-up elite; he’s got a ridiculous 45-12 record and even guided them to the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship!
So yeah, 2032 feels lightyears away, but knowing these two legendary programs are gonna clash again? That’s the kind of news that makes you instantly hyped for the future of college football. First though, let’s see how they handle those brutal 2026 schedules. Nebraska’s Big Ten opener against Michigan State on September 26 is gonna be a massive test!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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