CBS Sports released an article on Monday afternoon listing the top-eight best non-conference college football games to watch; Miami versus Notre Dame was included.

The Hurricanes and the Irish rivalry dates back to the 1980s, when the Catholics vs. Convicts name started. The Irish currently holds the all-time record against the Hurricanes, 17-9; however the Hurricanes won the last two matchups (2025, 2017).

The game will be hosted in South Bend this upcoming season, after the Irish lost to the Hurricanes, 27-24, last season. Unlike this past year, the Hurricanes won't meet the Irish in the season opener; expect you have to wait until November to play each other, under the lights.

Here is what the CBS Sports crew had to say about the rivalry:

Oh yes, a third Notre Dame game wouldn’t be left off this list! Miami beat them head to head last year and that was the difference in CFP selection. Perhaps this is the top non-conference game due to recent history and both teams have heard the chirping all year long. We have to wait until November for this game? Perhaps it’ll be for the best as both could be in prime playoff position and there will be a lot on the line.

Both of the starting quarterbacks for each team (Darian Mensah and CJ Carr) are projected to be among the best quarterbacks in college football; now, we just have to wait and see them perform on the field.

Here is a look at the top non-conference games to watch, according to CBS Sports.

1. Clemson at LSU (Sept. 5)
2. Baylor vs. Auburn (Sept. 5)
3. Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin (Sept. 6)
4.Ohio State at Texas (Sept. 12)
5. Oklahoma at Michigan (Sept. 12)
6. Florida State at Alabama (Sept. 12)
7. Notre Dame at BYU (Oct. 17)
8. Miami at Notre Dame (Nov. 7)

 

Hard hitting insight as always

 

The SEC glazing is insane.

No way those two games should.be ranked ahead of ND v Miami. Matter fact, ND v Miami if both squads are undefeated is THE GAME of the year conference, non conference, whatever.

 

I think it’s funny Notre Lame fans actually think the cooler weather gives them an advantage. That just means it’s gonna hurt even worse when we hit them.

 

The Noles vs Alabuma? Seriously?

 

If its supposed to be in order, this list is horrendously bad

 

Baylor - Auburn ?? FSU - Bama??? Wtf is he smoking??

 

Obviously by date. 4, 5, & 8 only ones of true interest. Others are snooze worthy.

 

That might be the worst list in the history of lists

 

Some other compelling non-conference games:

Baylor vs Auburn

Oregon vs OK ST

Old Dominion vs VA Tech

Tennessee vs GTech

VA Tech vs Maryland

UCF vs Pitt

 

The list is in order by date.

Lack of compelling out of conference games is holding college football back.

 

I think it’s funny Notre Lame fans actually think the cooler weather gives them an advantage. That just means it’s gonna hurt even worse when we hit them.

As long as its not a rain storm, Miami has the advantage across the board! Mensah was 2nd in the nation in 2025 in passing yards and passing TD's! He has more starts in college than ND Carr, Oregon Moore, Texas Manning and Ohio State Sayin! Yet all of them are ranked ahead of Mensah! I was at the game last year! It was miserable in the stands with rain! The game Nov 7 will be cool but not bitter cold! I'm originally from Chicago! Games in the MidWest played 40 degrees to 55 degrees are fine! Its the games 25degrees and below are the tough games! The NFL December regular season games and then playoff games in January show this!

 

18. Notre Dame leads the nation in returning snap percentage. No team brings back more experience than the Fighting Irish, with 66% of their returning snapsback at their respective positions, including a staggering 73% of defensive snaps under Marcus Freeman. Leonard Moore, Christian Gray and others are back in a loaded secondary that also features Colorado transfer D.J. McKinney. Considering Notre Dame replaces two first-round picks -- Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price -- at the running back position, it's quite surprising the Fighting Irish can still flex enhanced experience on that side of the football.

 

Obviously by date. 4, 5, & 8 only ones of true interest. Others are snooze worthy.

Same for me except I have Interest in 7, also. I am a college football junky, so I will watch any, depending on who else is playing. I have Miami/ND as the biggest game this season, forget non conference. I can't wait for our 1st NC repercussions rivalry game in over 2 decades. The playoffs make it a little less important, but still. Let's go Canes!

Props to ND, I just saw, starting this Fall they are giving free tuition to any student who's families household income is under $150k and 50% off for any student who's families household income is under $200k. What a blessing to those who qualify.

 

 

Assuming both teams are highly ranked, this is THE top game of the year, non-conference or not.

Given what happened last year and the 30-plus years of bitter rivalry, nothing else comes close. Maybe OSU-Michigan.

 

Any announcement for single ticket sales specifically the ND game?

 

Miami has 8-7 edge singe 1980.

 

there are really only 4 good non-con games next year if this list is to be believed. Sad state of affairs

 

4 & 5 are debatable but the rest are laughable.