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.
Sources: Auburn and Notre Dame have agreed to a home-and-home in 2027 and 2028. The 2027 game is in South Bend and the 2028 game is in Auburn. The schools have never played in football. pic.twitter.com/DM0SlUD8tR
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) November 5, 2025
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.
