Matchups: Notre Dame’s Leave No Doubt Tour Begins Now

Notre Dame left behind plenty of doubt in 2025. A large portion of that doubt came during its Week 1 loss at Miami. The Irish will be on the road again this year to begin the 2026 season. Below are some of the key matchups to watch on Sunday night when Notre Dame travels to Wisconsin to take on the Badgers at Lambeau Field.

How Much Does Wisconsin Change in One Offseason?

Thirty-Three vs. Notre Dame

Although the Badgers finished last season with a lousy 4-8 record, that doesn’t mean folks should expect much of the same in 2026, as Wisconsin stayed busy in the transfer portal. The Badgers added 33 new players and subtracted 25 old players from a season ago.

That may seem exciting for a team that finished 2025 with just four wins, but it doesn’t necessarily guarantee more victories in 2026. That kind of uncertainty will also be felt by Notre Dame, as there is no game film to help prepare for this week’s opponent. Instead, the Irish will be forced to watch film on players from their former teams in an attempt to identify strengths and weaknesses. But even then, those strengths and weaknesses will likely be no more, as these new players will be playing alongside different teammates and for a different coaching staff. Edge: Tie

Can Notre Dame Control the Game Early?

Chris Ash vs. Wisconsin Offense

Coach Chris Ash’s first game as defensive coordinator came during Notre Dame’s 27-24 Week 1 loss to Miami last season. In that game, Notre Dame’s defense appeared to play slower, less aggressively, and with more zone coverage than in years prior under former DC Al Golden. However, as the season progressed, so did the Irish defense, as they finished 2025 allowing just 17.6 points per game.

Meanwhile, the 2025 Wisconsin offense managed to score 12.8 points per game. Those putrid numbers also helped them finish 135th out of 136 teams in total offense. Literally speaking, it can’t get much worse for the Badgers’ offense, so there will undoubtedly be noticeable signs of improvement this season, but it shouldn’t be anything greater than what Notre Dame’s defensive veterans have already faced. Edge: Notre Dame

September vs. Marcus Freeman

Some would argue that Marcus Freeman has Notre Dame football at its highest point since the leadership days of head coach Lou Holtz. And while that may be true, it is also true that the month of September has showcased some of Freeman’s lowest points. It’s been so bad that the month was nearly renamed Sleptember for the Notre Dame football team.

Freeman has accumulated a regular-season record of 38-10 so far as head coach at Notre Dame, with the Irish being put to sleep for six of those losses during September, including home games against Marshall and Northern Illinois. Edge: September

CJ Carr Is Not Walking Into the Same Spot

CJ Carr vs. Week 1

Not only was Week 1 at Miami last season, but it was also the first start of CJ Carr’s collegiate career. It served as a learning curve for both Carr and the offensive coaching staff. The early play-calling seemed to be filled with a bunch of safe passes and bubble screens, and Carr’s passes seemed to be thrown with more hope than confidence. He had just 58 yards passing and one second-quarter touchdown pass by halftime. As the game progressed, so did the confidence of both Carr and the Irish coaching staff. Carr finished the game with 221 yards passing and another touchdown pass.

That was just the beginning for Carr, as he finished the 2025 season ranked fifth in the nation with a passing efficiency of 168.1. He also ranked sixth in yards per pass attempt (9.35) and per completion (14.06). Unfortunately for Wisconsin, they’ll be facing an entirely different quarterback than Miami did in Week 1 a year ago. Edge: Notre Dame

The Ground Game Gets Its First Test

Notre Dame Running Backs vs. Wisconsin Rush Defense

Notre Dame said goodbye to running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, as the duo was drafted in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Losing that kind of talent at one time will be nearly impossible to replace. However, Notre Dame will try to do so by committee. The initial plan will be for running backs Aneyas Williams, Nolan James, and Kedren Young to share the load.

Asking those guys to replicate Love and Price is a tough ask, even if it is by committee. It might be an even tougher ask to expect it to be done against a stingy Wisconsin rush defense. The Badgers finished 2025 ranked fourth in rush yards allowed per game (46.3). Those numbers included a game at Tuscaloosa where they held Alabama to just 72 yards on the ground (3.3 YPC). This may be a new year with a new roster, but Badgers head coach Luke Fickell will be coming with the same scheme and priority. Edge: Wisconsin