Auburn and Notre Dame agree to home-and-home starting in 2027

Jeff Hauser

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Auburn and Notre Dame agree to home-and-home starting in 2027 image

Notre Dame continues to expand its national footprint and its latest scheduling move adds some serious interest. 

According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the Irish and Auburn have formally agreed to a home-and-home series in 2027 and 2028, marking the first-ever meeting between the two storied programs. Auburn will visit South Bend in 2027, with Notre Dame making the return trip to Jordan-Hare Stadium the following year.

The series fits Notre Dame’s broader scheduling strategy, which has demanded first-time opponents and a stronger SEC presence. Recent and upcoming home-and-homes with Texas A&M, Arkansas, and Georgia, along with future matchups with Texas, Alabama, and Florida to reinforce that push. The Irish are also finalizing a 12-year agreement with Clemson beginning in 2027, alongside the traditional USC rivalry.

For the College Football Playoff era, these matchups provide Notre Dame with a critical strength-of-schedule anchor as selection criteria evolves for the FBS independent. 

The Irish are currently ranked No. 10 after rebounding from an 0-2 start and remain a playoff contender under head coach Marcus Freeman. He has been mentioned for several openings, including Florida, LSU, and Penn State.

On the other hand, Auburn enters a rebuilding phase following Hugh Freeze’s firing amid a 4-5 season. But by 2027, the Tigers’ new coach will have ample time to reshape the program ahead of what promises to be a great non-conference showdown between two of college football’s most recognizable brands.

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Staff Writer