Notre Dame's addition amplifies a presumed gauntlet for Auburn under the SEC's new scheduling model. The Tigers are hosting Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma and Texas A&M in 2027, as well as traveling to Texas. In 2028, they'll make a quartet of daunting road trips, heading to Alabama, Florida, Georgia and LSU.

In order to help their cause, however, some other teams having underwhelming performances would also be a big help. Fighting Irish fans should not just be rooting for Notre Dame against Navy this weekend. There are several games that could also have huge implications on their playoff picture.

Notre Dame and Auburn have agreed to a home-and-home in 2027 and 2028, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel, who reported Wednesday that the series will start two seasons from now in South Bend.

Notre Dame has made first-time opponents and SEC clashes a future scheduling priority. Auburn checks both boxes.

Notre Dame and Auburn are reportedly set to face off on the football field for the first time in the history of the two schools.

College football Week 11 odds, picks, predictions, TV channel, streaming for Navy Midshipmen vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish game Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025.

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman said Navy was a rival just like USC and talked about how challenging the matchup will be.

Nov 1, 2025; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Notre Dame safety Tae Johnson (9) and Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Boubacar Traore (5) celebrate an interception in the fourth quarter against the Boston College Eagles at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Edward Finan-Imagn Images / Edward Finan-Imagn Images