Jan. 14--Notre Dame's quest for improvement begins on the field March 16 when spring practice begins for next season.
The school announced on its website Wednesday that "Team 128" will take the field then and will hold its annual Blue-Gold game April 16 at Notre Dame Stadium.
The Irish finished 10-3 this season, with losses to the Associated Press' second-, third- and fourth-ranked teams, culminating with a 44-28 loss to Ohio State on Jan. 1 in the Fiesta Bowl.
Five underclassmen -- Jaylon Smith, Will Fuller, C.J. Prosise, Ronnie Stanley and KeiVarae Russell -- have since declared for the NFL draft.
The Irish open next season Sept. 3 against Texas in Austin, Texas.