The 2026 FBS Independent Football Schedule is built around two programs: Notre Dame and UConn.
Notre Dame enters the year ranked and carrying national-championship expectations. UConn continues its independent path with a mix of Group of Five and Power conference opponents. The slate runs from early September through late November and includes several high-profile non-conference games, a neutral-site rivalry and multiple primetime windows.
Here is the complete 2026 FBS Independent Football Schedule week by week.
2026 FBS Independent Football Schedule – Week 1
2026 FBS Independent Football Schedule – Week 2
2026 FBS Independent Football Schedule – Week 3
2026 FBS Independent Football Schedule – Week 4
2026 FBS Independent Football Schedule – Week 5
2026 FBS Independent Football Schedule – Week 6
2026 FBS Independent Football Schedule – Week 7
2026 FBS Independent Schedule – Week 8
2026 FBS Independent Schedule – Week 9
2026 FBS Independent Schedule – Week 10
2026 FBS Independent Schedule – Week 11
2026 FBS Independent Schedule – Week 12
2026 FBS Independent Schedule – Week 13
Key Storylines on the 2026 FBS Independent Football Schedule
Notre Dame opens with a neutral-site win over Wisconsin in Green Bay and then hosts Rice, Michigan State, Stanford, Miami and Boston College before closing on the road at Syracuse. The Irish also travel to Purdue, North Carolina and BYU, giving them one of the more demanding non-conference slates in the country.
UConn mixes home games against Maryland, Syracuse, UMass, North Carolina, James Madison and Old Dominion with road trips to Southern Miss, Miami (Ohio), Temple, Air Force and Wyoming. The Huskies’ independent path continues to feature a balanced mix of Power and Group of Five competition.
The traditional Notre Dame–Navy rivalry returns to Foxborough on October 31, while the late-season home stretch for both programs will help shape bowl positioning.
How to Watch FBS Independents in 2026
Notre Dame’s home games and select road contests air primarily on NBC and Peacock. UConn’s games are carried on CBSSN, ESPN+ and other regional networks. Neutral-site and special matchups may appear on ABC or ESPN. Fans should check local listings for final TV assignments as the season progresses.
The 2026 FBS Independent Football Schedule gives Notre Dame a clear path to remain in the national conversation while UConn continues building its independent identity. Every game from Week 1 through Week 13 is listed above with the latest times and networks available.
FAQ
When does the 2026 FBS Independent Football Schedule begin?
The schedule opened Saturday, September 5, with UConn defeating Lafayette 56-7. Notre Dame followed on Sunday, September 6, with a 41-13 win over Wisconsin in Green Bay.
How many games do Notre Dame and UConn play?
Both programs play a full slate of non-conference games as FBS Independents. Notre Dame’s schedule includes several ranked opponents and traditional rivals.
When is Notre Dame vs Navy 2026?
Notre Dame faces Navy on Saturday, October 31, in Foxborough, Massachusetts, at 12:00 p.m. ET on ABC or ESPN.
What channel carries most Notre Dame games?
NBC and Peacock carry the majority of Notre Dame’s games.
Where can I find the full UConn football schedule 2026?
Every UConn game is listed week by week in the tables above.
