BYU Cougars Push for More Notre Dame Matchups, AD Announces

BYU Cougars athletic director Brian Santiago announced Thursday that the university wants to keep the Notre Dame football series alive past the 2026 and 2027 home‑and‑home games, signaling a push for more high‑profile matchups across sports.

Why is BYU targeting Notre Dame?

Santiago told reporters at Big 12 media days that the Cougars respect Notre Dame’s tradition and see a shared faith‑based identity as a natural fit. He highlighted the leadership of head coaches Kalani Sitake and Marcus Freeman, noting that games between the two programs “will be competitive football games” that draw national attention. The AD also praised Pete Bevacqua, Notre Dame’s director of athletics, for his cooperation in arranging the initial schedule.

How could the series expand?

Beyond the two scheduled football contests, Santiago hinted at possible games in men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, and even volleyball. While the Cougars currently sit in the Big 12 and the Irish in the ACC, the AD believes the schools can work around conference commitments to create a broader rivalry. He said the athletic departments are already discussing logistics for future seasons, though no dates have been set yet.

What does this mean for the Cougars’ upcoming schedule?

The Notre Dame series will sit early in the Cougars’ 2026 calendar, but the first test of the season arrives on September 6, 2026, when BYU faces the Utah Tech Trailblazers. That home opener will give Sitake’s squad a chance to fine‑tune the offense before traveling to South Bend for the first Notre Dame showdown. Success against Utah Tech could build momentum for what many fans expect to be a marquee game against the Fighting Irish.

How will fans react?

Cougar supporters have already taken to social media, tagging @BYUCougarsWire and sharing excitement about the potential for a lasting rivalry. Many see the Notre Dame games as a chance to showcase BYU on a national stage, especially with the program’s recent move to the Big 12. The AD’s comments about expanding the series into other sports have also sparked interest among alumni who follow BYU basketball and other programs.

What are the next steps?

Santiago said the athletic department will draft a formal proposal for Notre Dame’s leadership later this summer. If both schools agree, the series could be extended through 2029, with alternating home venues each year. The AD also mentioned that the schools might explore joint recruiting events and academic collaborations, leveraging their shared values to attract student‑athletes.

The push for more Notre Dame games reflects BYU Cougars’ broader strategy to schedule marquee opponents that boost the program’s profile and revenue. As the season approaches, fans will watch closely to see if the AD’s vision becomes reality, starting with the September 6 clash against Utah Tech.