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Why Notre Dame’s 2026 season will be decided over the next three games

Notre Dame enters the middle portion of its 2026 schedule with an unblemished record through six contests, setting up a defining three-game gauntlet against BYU, Navy, and Miami. Because the Cougars and Hurricanes boast undefeated records and top-eight rankings in the US LBM Coaches Poll, these upcoming matchups carry massive weight for the program's College Football Playoff aspirations.

Navigating this stretch with a single defeat against either Miami or BYU would likely leave the squad in good shape to secure an 11-1 finish and a postseason bid, while a clean sweep could even push them toward a coveted first-round bye. Conversely, dropping contests to both BYU and Miami would severely damage their tournament hopes and evoke painful memories of last year's controversial playoff omission.

Even with additional tests remaining against opponents like Boston College, SMU, and Syracuse, the immediate focus remains firmly on how the team handles this pivotal three-game test.

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