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)

 

Notre Dame v. Wisconsin is on the list? I get BYU, as they were right up there with almost making the CFP, but Wisconsin??

 

4 & 5 are debatable but the rest are laughable.

How is 4 debatable? OSU Texas is a great non conference matchup. It’s up there right behind Miami ND- although it may be a distant second- but it’s top shelf.

 

This game is pivotal to the CFP playing field, especially for the SEC. If and when an undefeated Miami beats an undefeated ND, that’s two “ACC” teams taking up CFP slots. That’s assuming the ACC runner up doesn’t sneak in (highly unlikely likely due to ranking bias). The rest would have to be split between the SEC, BIG10 and highest ranked conference champs. Two years in a row of the SEC not putting up a fight in the playoffs would start my 2027 off with a bang.

 

This game is pivotal to the CFP playing field, especially for the SEC. If and when an undefeated Miami beats an undefeated ND, that’s two “ACC” teams taking up CFP slots. That’s assuming the ACC runner up doesn’t sneak in (highly unlikely likely due to ranking bias). The rest would have to be split between the SEC, BIG10 and highest ranked conference champs. Two years in a row of the SEC not putting up a fight in the playoffs would start my 2027 off with a bang.

Might have to beat them twice en route to #6.

 

How is 4 debatable? OSU Texas is a great non conference matchup. It’s up there right behind Miami ND- although it may be a distant second- but it’s top shelf.

Debatable as far as the top out of conference game.

 

 

Garrett get canned from his Sunday Night Football gig?