Notre Dame's 2026 schedule has been one of the most talked-about items in college football this offseason. It is, in fact, "lighter" than what typical Irish schedules look like, and that has drawn the ire of college football followers who'd like to force Notre Dame into a conference.

With no USC on the schedule, BYU, Miami, and SMU appear to be the toughest tests on the slate.

Coincidentally, all of these games are on the back half of the schedule, providing Notre Dame a nice six-game ramp-up to begin the season in which the Irish will be heavily favored in each contest.

Let's examine what Notre Dame needs to accomplish in this opening salvo, beyond simply winning all the games.

What Chris Ash needs to figure out in this six-game stretch is the fine details of his unit. What personnel should be used in what sub-package, what rotation is best to keep players fresh without giving up production, and what young players can contribute in what roles?

These questions need to be fully answered by the time Notre Dame heads to BYU for the seventh game.

CJ Carr is expected to have a huge year for the Irish, and a lot of that hope is based on the revamped Notre Dame receiving corps.

CJ Carr must use this first six-game window to gain comfort with this group. He must find a rhythm with his pass catchers, especially the new ones like Mylan Graham and Quincy Porter, both of whom are expected to play a huge role in the offense.

Jeremiyah Love and JD Price are both off to the NFL. Notre Dame must now figure out what the running game will look like without this dynamic duo.

The offensive line must "gel" quickly in support of Aneyus Williams and whatever back rotation develops behind him.