No. 8 BYU is set to host No. 2 Notre Dame in Provo on Oct. 11 in a top-10 matchup that serves as a significant test for both programs. The Cougars aim to secure a signature win that could impact their playoff prospects, while the Fighting Irish continue their effort to eliminate doubt regarding their postseason standing.
The upcoming clash at LaVell Edwards Stadium marks the first time a top-10 matchup has been played at the venue. Currently, Notre Dame holds a 6-0 record against the nation's 63rd-toughest schedule, according to ESPN's power index. BYU enters the game with a 5-0 record against the 86th toughest schedule.
For the Fighting Irish, the game is part of a broader effort to respond to being left out of the College Football Playoff following a streak of 10 straight wins. Notre Dame is scheduled to face No. 3 Miami in three weeks.
The Cougars are looking for an impactful victory similar to their 1990 upset of top-ranked Miami. While a loss would not end BYU's playoff hopes given the remaining Big 12 schedule, the game is viewed as a critical juncture for a program that has struggled to maintain consistent greatness since its 1984 national championship season.
In recent seasons, BYU has experienced both high-level success and narrow misses. In 2024, the team opened 9-0 but eventually lost at home to Kansas and at Arizona State. Last year, the Cougars went 8-0 before losing games against Texas Tech and in the Big 12 championship game.
Other recent college football developments include Indiana's 20-17 comeback victory over Nebraska, which moved the Hoosiers to No. 5. Additionally, the SEC fined Kentucky $500,000 after fans stormed the field following a 35-34 overtime win against No. 10 LSU.
