As of September 27, 2025, Notre Dame and Arkansas are not scheduled to play in the 2025 regular season. The programs have never met in a completed game after their September 12, 2020 matchup in South Bend was canceled amid pandemic-related schedule changes, according to both schools. A future meeting could come via a nonconference series, a bowl game, or the expanded College Football Playoff (CFP).
What happened
Notre Dame and Arkansas agreed to a two-game football series that included a date in South Bend set for September 12, 2020. That game was canceled when Notre Dame adopted an ACC-heavy schedule and Arkansas moved to an SEC-only slate during COVID-19 disruptions, according to the schools and conference announcements. No rescheduled regular-season date has been publicized as of today. [[source:https://fightingirish.com/sports/football/schedule/]] [[source:https://arkansasrazorbacks.com/sport/m-footbl/schedule/]]
The path to a first meeting now most likely runs through postseason play. With the 12-team CFP format, independents like Notre Dame and SEC programs such as the Arkansas Razorbacks football team can be seeded into the same bracket, creating a possible Notre Dame vs Arkansas matchup in December or January. [[source:https://collegefootballplayoff.com/]]
Why it matters
Interest in a Notre Dame vs Arkansas game is high because it would match one of college football’s most storied independents against a rising SEC program. For fans and travelers, the stakes include ticket availability, TV assignments, and potential on-campus playoff venues. For recruiting and national perception, an ND vs Arkansas clash offers a clear measuring stick between independent scheduling and SEC depth.
On the field, stylistic contrasts add intrigue. Notre Dame has leaned on physical offensive lines and versatile backs—running back Jeremiyah Love has been a notable contributor in recent seasons—while Razorback football often features a dual-threat quarterback and downhill rushing. Those identities make a hypothetical Arkansas vs Notre Dame game tactically compelling.
Context & background
Notre Dame is an FBS independent in football, meaning it sets its own nonconference schedule and is not eligible for a league title game. Arkansas competes in the SEC, widely regarded as one of the toughest conferences in college football. Since 2024, the SEC has used a single-standings format without divisions and plays a conference-heavy schedule.
The programs’ 2020 meeting would have been their first. Pandemic scheduling ultimately shelved “Notre Dame vs Arkansas,” and neither school has announced a new series. Bowl tie-ins and the CFP remain the cleanest routes to “Arkansas vs Notre Dame” in the near term. [[source:https://collegefootballplayoff.com/]]
Program snapshot: Notre Dame vs Arkansas
| Category | Notre Dame Fighting Irish | Arkansas Razorbacks |
|---|---|---|
| Conference | Independent (football) | SEC |
| Home stadium | Notre Dame Stadium (South Bend, IN) | Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium (Fayetteville, AR) |
| All-time series | No completed games as of September 27, 2025 | No completed games as of September 27, 2025 |
| Typical TV partners | NBC/Peacock for most home games | ABC/ESPN for SEC and most nonconference |
| Postseason paths | Bowls, 12-team CFP eligibility | SEC bowls, 12-team CFP eligibility |
What to watch next
Three realistic avenues could put Arkansas Notre Dame on the field:
- College Football Playoff: If both qualify, the 12-team bracket can produce an ND vs Arkansas game in the first round, quarterfinals, or beyond. First-round games are on campus at higher seeds. [[source:https://collegefootballplayoff.com/]]
- Bowl selection: Depending on records and pairings, a neutral-site bowl could match the Irish and Razorbacks.
- Future nonconference scheduling: Either athletic department could add a home-and-home series in an open year.
Timeline
- September 12, 2020 — First scheduled meeting at Notre Dame canceled during COVID-19 schedule changes. [[source:https://fightingirish.com/sports/football/schedule/]] [[source:https://arkansasrazorbacks.com/sport/m-footbl/schedule/]]
- December 2025 — CFP Selection Sunday (exact date TBA by CFP). [[source:https://collegefootballplayoff.com/]]
- December 2025–January 2026 — Bowl season and CFP rounds (dates and sites TBA each year). [[source:https://collegefootballplayoff.com/]]
Early outlook if they play (notre dame vs arkansas prediction)
Any Notre Dame vs Arkansas prediction would hinge on venue and health. At Notre Dame, NBC/Peacock would likely carry the broadcast, and cold weather could favor a power run game. In Fayetteville, crowd noise and SEC speed tilt toward Arkansas football. Neutral-site bowls dampen those edges.
Matchup swing factors typically include: third-down defense, explosive plays allowed, and turnover margin. Special teams—coverage units and field goal reliability—often decide close games between evenly matched Power Five opponents.
How to follow or attend (checklist)
- Set alerts on each team’s official schedule page for updates. [[source:https://fightingirish.com/sports/football/schedule/]] [[source:https://arkansasrazorbacks.com/sport/m-footbl/schedule/]]
- If a game is announced, check TV listings (NBC/Peacock for Notre Dame home; ABC/ESPN for SEC/neutral).
- Buy tickets only from official school sites or verified partners; watch for dynamic pricing.
- Book refundable travel and lodging until kickoff is confirmed.
- Review stadium policies on bags, parking, and mobile ticketing before game day.
- No Notre Dame vs Arkansas game is on the 2025 regular-season slate as of September 27, 2025.
- The 2020 meeting was canceled amid pandemic-related schedule changes.
- A bowl or 12-team CFP berth could produce Arkansas vs Notre Dame soon.
- Broadcasts would likely be NBC/Peacock (ND home) or ABC/ESPN (SEC/neutral).
For fans tracking future matchups—or polishing sports resumes and careers—see our guides: how-to-build-a-portfolio and best-online-certifications.
Sources: official team schedules and CFP materials. [[source:https://fightingirish.com/sports/football/schedule/]] [[source:https://arkansasrazorbacks.com/sport/m-footbl/schedule/]] [[source:https://collegefootballplayoff.com/]]
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