Rivalry history gets cinematic treatment as NBC solicits Brent Musburger, Bob Costas to narrate opening tease for Miami-Notre Dame
A rivalry revisited
The tease will begin with footage of Miami and Notre Dame teams coached by Jimmy Johnson and Lou Holtz. It recalls the rivalry’s early period, associated with the nickname “Catholics vs. Convicts.”
The package then shifts to the present-day rivalry. NBC’s broadcast is scheduled for Saturday, with kickoff at 7:30 p.m. ET in South Bend.
Two familiar narrators
Brent Musburger and Bob Costas will provide narration for the opening package. Musburger called the original “Catholics vs. Convicts” game for CBS in 1988. Costas has voiced many of NBC’s signature sports openings during his time at the network. NBC has recently returned to this style for major games, including NBA broadcasts.
A consequential Miami win
The tease also points to Miami’s three-point victory in Week 1 of the 2025 season. The article says that result proved decisive in determining which team received the final College Football Playoff bid a year later.
NBC has brought back its narrative-driven openings to strong praise, with viewers often linking the approach and Costas’ voice to the Chicago Bulls dynasty of the 1990s. The network is using the format for what it describes as arguably its biggest college football game of the season.
Key points
- NBC’s opening tease for Miami-Notre Dame will revisit the rivalry’s history.
- Brent Musburger and Bob Costas will narrate the package.
- The game is scheduled for Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET in South Bend.
- The tease recalls Miami’s three-point win in Week 1 of the 2025 season.