Full Breakdown
Kirk Herbstreit Labels Notre Dame’s Schedule an “Embarrassment” Ahead of BYU Clash
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Core Event: Analyst Slams Irish Schedule Before Provo Showdown
College football analyst Kirk Herbstreit used ESPN’s *Get Up* program on October 16, 2026 to criticize the Notre Dame Fighting Irish for what he called an “embarrassment” in their regular-season slate. Speaking ahead of Notre Dame’s first true test of the year—a game in Provo against the No. 8 BYU Cougars—Herbstreit argued the Irish’s schedule lacks sufficient difficulty to merit a College Football Playoff (CFP) berth under the forthcoming 24-team format.
Background & Context: Undefeated Irish, Weak Schedule, Expanding Playoff
Notre Dame entered the 2026 season unbeaten at 6-0, having defeated unranked opponents Wisconsin, Rice, Michigan State, Purdue, North Carolina and Stanford. The only other ranked opponent on their 12-game schedule is the No. 3 Miami Hurricanes, slated for a home game on Nov. 7; the third ranked matchup is the upcoming BYU contest.
The CFP is slated to expand from 12 to 24 teams for the 2027 season. Herbstreit warned that without stronger non-conference games, programs like Notre Dame could be “over-valued” relative to Power-5 schools that face tougher conference slates.
Data & Statistics: Ranked Opponents and Schedule Composition
- Notre Dame’s record: 6-0 (2026 season to date).
- Ranked opponents faced or scheduled: 3 (BYU #8, Miami #3, and an unnamed No. 24 opponent).
- Remaining opponents are unranked programs (Wisconsin, Rice, Michigan State, Purdue, North Carolina, Stanford).
- CFP expansion proposal: 24 teams, with an implied requirement for Power-4 schools to schedule at least ten games against other Power-4 opponents.
Official Statements & Responses: Herbstreit’s Proposals for Scheduling Reform
Herbstreit contended that the current conference-driven scheduling model allows teams to avoid strong non-conference matchups. He advocated for a national scheduling office to coordinate games across conferences, ensuring that “real games against real teams” are on every program’s slate.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Notre Dame plays two games where they’re going to be challenged. This one [BYU] where they’re favored, and Miami at home,” — Kirk Herbstreit, college football analyst
- “Instead of each conference doing the scheduling, I think we need a national scheduling office that is in charge of getting games set,” — Kirk Herbstreit, college football analyst
- “And that’s exactly my point… Notre Dame plays two games where they’re going to be challenged,” — Kirk Herbstreit, college football analyst
- “Notre Dame plays two games where they are going to be challenged. Think about what and and Ohio State and these teams and what they’re dealing with,” — Kirk Herbstreit, college football analyst
What’s Next: Potential Adjustments Ahead of CFP Expansion
Analysts cited by the sources suggest that, if the 24-team CFP is approved, Notre Dame may need to increase its frequency of games against SEC and Big Ten opponents to satisfy the new scheduling expectations. Herbstreit’s call for a centralized scheduling authority could shape future non-conference agreements, though no formal plan has been announced.
*This article synthesizes statements from multiple outlets and presents only the facts and attributed opinions provided in the source material.*