The long-awaited renewal of the Michigan State–Notre Dame rivalry is finally here, and it's set to shine under the bright lights of primetime. After nearly a decade apart, these two legendary programs will meet again on Saturday, Sept. 19, with a 7:30 p.m. kickoff at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. Fans can catch all the action live on NBC and Peacock.

This matchup marks the first time the Spartans and Fighting Irish have faced off since Sept. 23, 2017, when Notre Dame claimed a 38-18 victory at Spartan Stadium. The last trip to South Bend, on Sept. 17, 2016, saw Michigan State walk away with a thrilling 36-28 win—a reminder of how fierce and unpredictable this rivalry can be.

The timing couldn't be more fitting: 2026 marks the 60th anniversary of the iconic 10-10 tie between the two schools, which closed the 1966 season in East Lansing. That game, featuring No. 1 Notre Dame against No. 2 Michigan State, is widely regarded as one of the greatest college football games of the 20th century, and this renewal promises to honor that legacy.

Looking at the all-time series, Notre Dame holds a commanding 49–29–1 advantage, including a 29-14 record at home. The rivalry dates back to 1897, with a few interruptions along the way: a two-year break in 1995-96 after 36 consecutive seasons, then another pause in 2014-15 after 17 straight years. Now, after a longer hiatus, the stage is set for a primetime showdown that college football fans won't want to miss.

For those gearing up to watch, it's the perfect moment to grab some fresh gear—whether you're rooting for the green and gold or the green and white. This is more than just a game; it's a piece of college football history returning to the spotlight.