It’s about that time — for the iconic Victory March, for blue and gold and also special green. Expectations are high in South Bend, as Marcus Freeman’s Notre Dame Fighting Irish pursue their first national championship since 1988.This program has come close across its prior two campaigns. The Fighting Irish made it all the way to the title game in 2024 before falling short against Ohio State. They went 10-2 in 2025, but wound up on the outside looking in when the College Football Playoff rolled around. Maybe 2026 is their breakthrough year. Some faithfuls are already booking flights to Las Vegas.Notre Dame is headlined by promising quarterback CJ Carr, who begins the season as a Heisman Trophy favorite. Behind him, running back Aneyas Williams tries to succeed first-round picks Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price. And the defense is stacked. Cornerback Leonard Moore is a top NFL Draft prospect, while other preseason All-Americans include safety Tae Johnson and linebackers Drayk Bowen and Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa. One of the sport’s biggest and well-traveled fanbases should be in for a good time.Be sure to follow the Fighting Irish on The Athletic. Senior writer Pete Sampson covers the team for us. He’s basically the Joe Montana of the beat.You can watch college football live on Fubo (Stream Free Now).Notre Dame doesn't need to join a conference, for nowPete SampsonNotre Dame’s 2026 scheduleAll times are ET.