BYU has ascended to No. 8 in the Associated Press Top 25 rankings, setting the stage for a high-profile matchup against No. 3 Notre Dame. This rise follows a home-and-home series agreement announced on Dec. 22, 2025, which scheduled the Fighting Irish to visit Provo in 2026 and the Cougars to travel to South Bend in 2027.
Rising Rankings for BYU
The latest Associated Press rankings, released Oct. 4, 2026, place the BYU Cougars at No. 8 with a 4-0 record. The Cougars earned 1,144 points in the poll, climbing from a previous ranking of No. 10. This surge in the rankings comes as the program prepares for a significant series against Notre Dame, which currently sits at No. 3 with a 5-0 record and 1,532 points.
A Multi-Year Series Agreement
The upcoming matchup between the two programs is part of a multi-year agreement finalized by both universities on Dec. 22, 2025. Under the terms of the series, Notre Dame will make its third appearance in Provo, playing at LaVell Edwards Stadium in 2026. This will mark the first time the Fighting Irish have played in Provo since 2004. In 2027, the series will move to Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, marking the first time the two teams have met in South Bend since 2013.
Leadership and Shared Values
BYU Director of Athletics Brian Santiago expressed enthusiasm for the matchup when the series was announced in late 2025. Santiago noted that the series provides an exceptional opportunity to showcase two world-class, private, faith-based institutions. He added that the games would highlight the leadership of BYU's Kalani Sitake and Notre Dame's Marcus Freeman, and predicted the matchup would resonate with fans of both programs.
Historical Rivalry Context
The rivalry between the Cougars and the Irish has a long history spanning nearly three decades. The two programs first met on Oct. 24, 1992, at Notre Dame Stadium, where the No. 10 Irish won 42-16. Since that initial meeting, the teams have faced each other nine times. Notre Dame holds a 7-2 advantage in the all-time series. Notably, the Irish have faced BYU more frequently than any other current member of the Big 12 conference.
Venue-Specific Statistics
The historical statistics show a competitive split depending on the venue. While Notre Dame leads the overall series, the matchup has been split in Provo, with each team holding one victory. The Cougars' most recent victory in Provo came in 2004 with a 20-17 win. Notre Dame, meanwhile, holds a 5-1 advantage in games played at South Bend. The last time the schools met in a neutral site was during the 2022 Shamrock Series at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, where the Irish defeated the No. 16 ranked Cougars 28-20 on Oct. 8, 2022.
Upcoming Seasonal Schedules
BYU's 2026 schedule, which includes the Notre Dame game, features seven home games at LaVell Edwards Stadium. In addition to the nonconference matchup with the Irish, the Cougars will host Arizona, Arizona State, Baylor, Cincinnati, and Iowa State for Big 12 play, alongside Utah Tech. The 2027 schedule includes home games against Colorado, Kansas, Texas Tech, and Utah, as well as Oregon State and Weber State.
Looking Ahead
While the specific dates and broadcast details for the 2026 and 2027 series have not yet been released, the current rankings highlight the high stakes of the upcoming meetings. With BYU currently holding a 4-0 record and Notre Dame sitting at 5-0, both teams enter their scheduled series as national contenders.
