After missing out on the College Football Playoff in 2025, what would qualify as a successful 2026 for Irish fans? Michael Reaves / Getty ImagesJune 9, 2026 6:00 am EDT Updated SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Will this season be the season?For the first time in the seven-year history of The Athletic’s Notre Dame fan survey, it feels like it might be. Last summer, more than 2,600 of you participated in this annual wellness check of Fighting Irish football and those who can’t get enough of it. Considering the vibes around the program heading toward opening night at Lambeau Field three months from now, that record feels like it’s made to be broken.Some of the questions below are repeats from previous years’ surveys, to offer trend lines about how Notre Dame’s fan base has changed over time. There are some new ones, too, about what’s next for the College Football Playoff and what you’ll be doing on Jan. 25 of next year.
Thanks in advance to all those who participated in this year’s survey. The results will run next week.(Note: Readers who are using our app on an Android device may need to use two fingers to scroll through the survey. Still unable to get to the survey? Try this direct link.)
Jun 9, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms
