There are two FBS independents in the 2026 college football season: Notre Dame and UConn. Both compete at the NCAA Division I FBS level without a conference affiliation, so they build their own schedules and are not tied to a league championship. Below is the list, each with its schedule, plus a free printable.
FBS Independents Quick Facts
- FBS independents in 2026: 2
- Teams: Notre Dame, UConn
- Level: NCAA Division I FBS
- Conference: none (independent schedules)
- Season: 2026
- Printable: free PDF list below
2026 FBS Independent Teams
Here are the two 2026 FBS independents. Select a team to open its schedule.
Download the Printable FBS Independents List (PDF)
A quick one-page reference to the 2026 FBS independents, ready to save or print.
About FBS Independents
FBS independents are Division I FBS programs that do not belong to a conference, so they arrange their own schedules and do not play for a league title. For 2026 the group has shrunk to two. Notre Dame keeps its long-standing football independence, with its own national television deal and a College Football Playoff access path, while its other sports compete in the ACC. UConn has been an FBS independent in football since 2020. The ranks thinned through realignment as former independents joined leagues, including Army (the American), UMass (the MAC), and Liberty and New Mexico State (Conference USA).
More College Football from Sports Brackets
Explore every team on our 2026 College Football hub, and see the Group of 5 lists: AAC, Conference USA, MAC, Mountain West and Sun Belt. Find every printable bracket and schedule at SportsBrackets.net.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many FBS independents are there in 2026?
Two. Notre Dame and UConn are the only FBS independents for the 2026 season.
Which college football teams are independents in 2026?
Notre Dame and UConn. Both play FBS football without a conference affiliation.
Why is Notre Dame independent?
Notre Dame keeps football independence for tradition and its own national TV deal, and it has a College Football Playoff access path. Its other sports compete in the ACC.
Did Army and UMass leave FBS independence?
Yes. Army joined the American Athletic Conference in 2024 and UMass joined the Mid-American Conference in 2025, leaving Notre Dame and UConn as the remaining independents.
