The long-awaited Notre Dame vs BYU clash delivered one of the most electric, dramatic, and debated finishes of the college football season. In front of a sold-out crowd in Provo, the No. 8 BYU Cougars football team knocked off the previously unbeaten No. 2 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team 28-24 at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
The matchup featured explosive offensive sequences, ferocious defensive stands, and a finish wrapped in controversy. BYU head coach Kalani Sitake secured a signature program victory, while Marcus Freeman and the Irish were left grappling with missed opportunities and officiating decisions on the final whistle.
Game Summary: BYU Cougars Stun No. 2 Notre Dame
Entering the matchup with a 6-0 record and No. 2 national ranking, the Irish aimed to control the clock and assert defensive dominance. Instead, BYU established momentum behind dual-threat freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier, who showcased poise in the pocket and grit on designed scrambles.
BYU’s offensive balance and red-zone execution kept the Irish on their heels. While Notre Dame methodically moved downfield behind quarterback CJ Carr, settling for field goals rather than converting touchdowns inside the 20-yard line created a deficit the Irish could not overcome.
Final Box Score & Team Comparison
| Game Statistics | Notre Dame Fighting Irish | BYU Cougars |
| Final Score | 24 | 28 |
| First Downs | 22 | 23 |
| Total Net Yards | 376 | 360 |
| Passing Yards | 261 | 239 |
| Rushing Yards | 115 | 121 |
| Third Down Efficiency | 8-19 | 8-12 |
| Fourth Down Efficiency | 4-4 | 0-1 |
| Red Zone Conversions | 3-5 (3 FGs, 2 TDs total) | 4-4 (4 TDs) |
| Turnovers | 1 | 2 |
| Time of Possession | 30:58 | 29:02 |
Notre Dame vs BYU Player Stats & Key Performers
The notre dame fighting irish football vs byu cougars football match player stats show a game decided by execution on high-leverage downs.
BYU Cougars Key Individual Stats
- Bear Bachmeier (QB): Accounted for three touchdowns, throwing for 224 yards and a score while rushing 13 times for 45 yards and two scores on the ground.
- Kyler Kasper (WR): Caught 6 passes for 66 yards and completed a 15-yard trick-play touchdown pass to Bachmeier that sparked the stadium.
- Preston Rex (RB): Carried the ball 10 times for 66 yards, providing explosive bursts between the tackles.
- Walker Lyons (TE): Secured 5 receptions for 49 yards and a critical red-zone touchdown.
- Raider Damuni & Isaiah Glasker (Defense): Combined for 8 total stops and tight coverage on boundary passes.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Key Individual Stats
- CJ Carr (QB): Threw for 261 yards without an interception, converting multiple clutch 4th downs with downfield throws.
- Nolan James Jr. (RB): Rushed for 77 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries while adding 18 yards through the air.
- Jaden Greathouse (WR): Anchored the receiving corps, hauling in 8 receptions on 13 targets for 125 yards.
- Spencer Porath (K): Kept the Irish in striking range by converting 3 field goals, including a long of 46 yards.
The Controversial Final Play: Did Notre Dame Get Shortchanged?
With under twenty seconds remaining and trailing 28-24, Notre Dame drove inside the BYU 15-yard line with no timeouts remaining. On first-and-goal, Carr launched a pass toward the corner of the end zone.
The incomplete pass sparked national conversation due to two critical elements:
- Uncalled Contact: Physical hand play and jersey contact on the receiver in the end zone drew vocal arguments from Marcus Freeman and sideline staff seeking a defensive pass interference penalty.
- The Missing Second: Replay feeds and stadium end-zone displays indicated that the ball struck the turf with approximately one second showing on the clock. Despite the visible tick remaining before expiration, officials ruled the game over without reviewing clock stoppage or conducting an official timing reset.
Historical Matchup: Notre Dame vs BYU Series
The 2026 clash marked the tenth all-time meeting between the two prominent independent/faith-based powerhouses:
- All-Time Series Record: Notre Dame leads 7–3.
- Previous Streak: The Fighting Irish had won four consecutive games in the series dating back to 2012 before BYU snapped the run.
- BYU’s Milestone: This marks the Cougars’ first head-to-head victory over the Irish since a 20-17 decision in 2004.
In the broader scope of college football history, former BYU icons like Steve Young set standard benchmarks for quarterback production that freshman playmakers like Bachmeier now strive toward under Kalani Sitake’s stewardship.
NCAA Rankings & Projected AP Top 25 Impact
The result reshapes the college football landscape and the upcoming projected AP Top 25 ballot:
- BYU (6-0): The Cougars are positioned to climb into the top 5 of the AP Poll and command national attention as the top contender in the Big 12.
- Notre Dame (6-1): The Irish slip from the No. 2 position into the 7–10 range of the rankings. While their playoff aspirations remain alive, the margin for error evaporates as they navigate the remainder of the 2026 independent schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the final score of the Notre Dame vs BYU game?
BYU defeated Notre Dame with a final score of 28-24 at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
Who is the starting quarterback for BYU?
Bear Bachmeier is the starting quarterback for the BYU Cougars, delivering a 3-touchdown performance against Notre Dame.
Who is the head coach of Notre Dame and BYU?
Marcus Freeman is the head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and Kalani Sitake is the head coach of the BYU Cougars.
Did Notre Dame win today?
No, Notre Dame fell to BYU 28-24, suffering their first loss of the season.
Where can I watch Notre Dame vs BYU highlights?
Official game highlights and key down-by-down plays are available on the ESPN College Football YouTube channel and major sports recap platforms.
BYU’s victory over Notre Dame provides a defining moment for the Cougars’ Big 12 campaign, proving their offense can trade punches with top-ranked defensive units. For Notre Dame, red-zone execution and closing-minute clock management stand out as urgent priorities heading into the second half of the season.
Stay tuned for our updated weekly College Football Playoff predictions, AP Top 25 analysis, and conference power rankings. Bookmark our sports desk to keep up with every snap!
