Eighth-ranked BYU secured a significant home victory at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah, defeating Notre Dame 28-24 on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2026. The Cougars stopped a final Notre Dame drive on an incompletion in the end zone as time expired, preventing the Irish from seizing the No. 1 ranking.
BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier delivered a versatile performance, recording two rushing touchdowns, one passing touchdown, and one receiving touchdown. The Cougars took a decisive lead with 1:47 remaining in the game following a 10-play, 55-yard drive, capped by a 6-yard touchdown pass from Bachmeier to Walker Lyons.
Notre Dame quarterback C.J. Carr attempted a final drive to tie the game, converting two fourth-down passes to move the Irish to the BYU 4-yard line with 4 seconds remaining. On the final play, Carr threw toward Jaden Greathouse, but the pass fell incomplete while Greathouse was in contact with a BYU defender. Although the play appeared to occur with one second remaining, the result was not reviewed.
The loss ended a 16-game winning streak for Notre Dame that began last September. During the contest, BYU coach Kalani Sitake stated that his team wanted to be aggressive and was proud of the players' performance.
Notre Dame saw significant challenges throughout the game, including an ejection of defensive lineman Boubacar Traore for a targeting penalty just 2:30 into the match. While Jonaz Walton scored a 3-yard touchdown run to give the Irish a 24-21 lead with 9:31 remaining, Notre Dame also missed opportunities due to a failed fake punt and a fumble by Carr while attempting to spike the ball in the second quarter.
The outcome of the game coincided with a historic day in college football, as Notre Dame joined Georgia, Indiana, Alabama, and Texas as five of the top seven teams in the AP Top 25 poll to lose on Saturday. Following the losses of Georgia and Notre Dame, No. 3 Miami is expected to inherit the No. 1 ranking after their double-overtime victory over Florida State.
Nolan James Jr. led Notre Dame in rushing with 77 yards on 16 carries, including one touchdown. Carr finished the game completing 27 of 49 passes for 261 yards.
