In a highly anticipated matchup, No. 20 Texas A&M will face No. 7 Notre Dame, with both teams aiming to make a strong statement early in the season. Texas A&M's new coach Mike Elko will see his former quarterback, Riley Leonard, who transferred to Notre Dame after a successful stint at Duke. Leonard, a dual-threat QB, had a standout 2022 season but struggled with injuries last year, while A&M's Conner Weigman returns from injury to lead the Aggies. The game marks the first meeting between these teams since 2001, with Elko looking to establish a new identity after the firing of Jimbo Fisher. Leonard expressed excitement about the game, emphasizing that it means a lot to him personally, despite being a team effort. Both teams will rely on their respective defenses, with Notre Dame boasting top-tier defensive backs, making the game a pivotal early-season encounter.