The Notre Dame vs BYU showdown delivered one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 college football season, as the No. 8 BYU Cougars defeated the No. 2 Notre Dame Fighting Irish 28-24 on Saturday night at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah. Quarterback Bear Bachmeier delivered a remarkable all-around performance, while a late touchdown drive helped BYU secure a statement victory in front of its home crowd.
The BYU football team improved to 6-0, while Notre Dame football suffered its first loss of the season, falling to 6-1 and ending a 16-game winning streak. The result could significantly affect the AP Top 25, projected college football rankings and the College Football Playoff picture.
Notre Dame vs BYU Score and Game Summary
Final score: BYU 28, Notre Dame 24
- Matchup: No. 2 Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. No. 8 BYU Cougars
- Date: October 17, 2026
- Venue: LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, Utah
- Attendance: 65,179
- TV channel: ABC
- Notre Dame record: 6-1
- BYU record: 6-0
The BYU vs Notre Dame game featured momentum swings, critical turnovers, special-teams mistakes and a dramatic finish. Despite Notre Dame’s second-half comeback, the Cougars found a way to close out the victory and earn their first win over a top-10 opponent since 2018.
Bear Bachmeier Leads BYU Football to a Historic Win
Bear Bachmeier was the standout performer in the BYU Notre Dame game, contributing through the air, on the ground and as a receiver. The BYU quarterback threw for 224 yards, rushed for two touchdowns and caught another touchdown to help the Cougars overcome one of the nation’s top-ranked teams.
Bachmeier opened the scoring with a five-yard touchdown run during BYU’s opening possession. The Cougars marched 75 yards on 11 plays, immediately putting pressure on the Notre Dame defense.
Notre Dame responded with a field goal before Nolan James Jr. scored on an eight-yard run to give the Fighting Irish a 10-7 advantage.
However, Bachmeier helped BYU regain control. He caught a short pass from Kyler Kasper and turned it into a 15-yard touchdown play. Bachmeier then scored on a one-yard run, giving the Cougars a 21-10 halftime lead.
His performance made college football history. Bachmeier became the first quarterback since Steve Young in the 1983 Holiday Bowl to record passing, rushing and receiving touchdowns in the same game.
The performance also highlighted the creativity of BYU coach Kalani Sitake, who used Bachmeier in multiple roles to challenge the Notre Dame defense.
Notre Dame Football Fights Back in the Second Half
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish entered the second half needing a major response. After struggling to finish drives before halftime, Marcus Freeman’s team gradually found its rhythm.
Notre Dame’s defense improved after the break, forcing BYU to punt on multiple possessions. The Irish also benefited from a failed BYU fake punt, which helped them generate another scoring opportunity.
Notre Dame added two field goals to cut the deficit and make the score 21-16.
Running back Jonaz Walton then gave the Fighting Irish their first lead since the second quarter. His three-yard touchdown run made it 22-21 before Notre Dame converted a two-point attempt, with Walton again finding the end zone.
The comeback put the visitors ahead 24-21 with 9:31 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Notre Dame had an opportunity to take control, but the offense could not capitalize on every scoring chance. A red-zone turnover and earlier missed opportunities proved costly as the game approached its final minutes.
BYU vs Notre Dame: Dramatic Final Two Minutes
With Notre Dame holding a narrow lead, BYU needed one more scoring drive to preserve its undefeated record.
After Notre Dame’s Jayden Sanders intercepted a pass at the Irish 15-yard line with 8:05 remaining, the Cougars’ defense forced a three-and-out. That stop gave Bachmeier another opportunity to lead the offense.
He delivered.
Bachmeier guided BYU on a 55-yard drive over 10 plays, finishing with a six-yard touchdown pass to Walker Lyons with 1:47 left on the clock. The score put the Cougars ahead 28-24.
Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr responded with a late drive of his own. He completed several important passes, including a fourth-down completion to Micah Gilbert that moved the Irish to the BYU nine-yard line with four seconds remaining.
Carr’s final pass into the end zone fell incomplete, allowing BYU to secure the 28-24 victory.
The closing play also generated controversy, with Notre Dame supporters questioning whether pass interference should have been called on the final attempt to Jaden Greathouse. The disputed officiating became a major talking point after the game, although the official result remained unchanged.
Notre Dame vs BYU Match Player Stats
The individual performances explained how the Cougars survived Notre Dame’s comeback and finished the game strongly.
| Player | Team | Key statistics |
|---|---|---|
| Bear Bachmeier | BYU | 224 passing yards, two rushing TDs and one receiving TD |
| CJ Carr | Notre Dame | 261 passing yards |
| Nolan James Jr. | Notre Dame | 77 rushing yards and one touchdown |
| Preston Rex | BYU | 66 rushing yards on 10 carries |
| Walker Lyons | BYU | Go-ahead six-yard receiving touchdown |
| Jonaz Walton | Notre Dame | Fourth-quarter rushing touchdown and successful two-point conversion |
Bachmeier’s three-way touchdown performance was the defining storyline of the matchup. Carr also produced 261 passing yards, giving Notre Dame a chance to win until the final seconds.
However, the Fighting Irish struggled to convert important red-zone opportunities into touchdowns, while BYU made the decisive play late in the fourth quarter.
Why Notre Dame Lost to BYU
Notre Dame’s defeat was the result of several critical moments rather than a single mistake.
1. Costly first-half turnover
Carr fumbled while attempting to spike the ball during Notre Dame’s final possession of the first half. BYU’s Isaiah Glasker recovered the ball, preventing the Irish from adding points before halftime.
2. Missed scoring opportunities
Notre Dame moved the ball effectively but settled for field goals on drives that could have produced touchdowns. Those missed opportunities became especially important in a four-point game.
3. Bachmeier’s versatility
The BYU quarterback consistently challenged the Notre Dame defense with his running ability, passing accuracy and receiving contribution. His unusual touchdown combination forced the Irish to defend multiple offensive looks.
4. BYU’s decisive final drive
After losing the lead in the fourth quarter, the Cougars responded with a 55-yard scoring possession. Bachmeier’s connection with Lyons ultimately decided the game.
5. Defensive depth concerns
Notre Dame also lost defensive lineman Boubacar Traore after a targeting ejection in the first quarter. His absence affected the team’s defensive rotation and added to the challenges against BYU’s offense.
What the Notre Dame vs BYU Result Means for the AP Top 25
The Notre Dame vs BYU result could have major consequences for the next AP Top 25 poll and the national college football rankings.
Notre Dame entered the matchup ranked No. 2 nationally, while BYU held the No. 8 position. The Cougars’ victory over a top-two opponent strengthens their case for a higher position in the AP poll and improves their standing in the College Football Playoff conversation.
The upset was part of an extraordinary Saturday in which five of the top eight teams in the AP Top 25 lost. No. 1 Georgia also suffered a 27-24 defeat against Auburn, making the results particularly significant for the projected top 25 college football rankings.
The next AP Top 25 and other NCAA football rankings will provide a clearer picture of how the results reshape the national landscape.
For BYU football, the victory represents a major statement about the team’s ability to compete with elite opponents. For Notre Dame, the defeat raises questions about finishing drives and protecting leads against ranked competition.
BYU Football Schedule: What’s Next?
The BYU Cougars improved to 6-0 after defeating Notre Dame and will look to continue their unbeaten start in their next matchup.
BYU is scheduled to visit UCF on October 24, 2026. The game will give Kalani Sitake’s team another opportunity to build momentum and strengthen its position in the Big 12 race.
With Bachmeier leading the offense, BYU will aim to maintain its consistency and turn its victory over Notre Dame into a springboard for the remainder of the season.
Notre Dame Football Schedule: What’s Next?
Notre Dame falls to 6-1 and will have a bye week to regroup before returning to action.
The Fighting Irish are scheduled to face Navy on October 31, 2026. Marcus Freeman and his coaching staff will need to address the team’s red-zone execution, ball security and defensive adjustments before that game.
Although the loss is a setback, Notre Dame remains in contention for a strong finish to the season. Its future position in the national rankings will depend on how the team responds and performs in its remaining games.
Where to Watch BYU Cougars Football vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football
The Notre Dame vs BYU matchup was broadcast on ABC in the United States. Fans looking for a replay, highlights or the full box score can check the official ESPN college football coverage and the teams’ official athletic websites.
For future Notre Dame games, viewers should check the Notre Dame football schedule and official broadcast listings. BYU supporters can follow the BYU football schedule for upcoming game times, television information and results.
Final Takeaway
The Notre Dame vs BYU game ended with a 28-24 victory for the No. 8 Cougars, thanks to Bear Bachmeier’s extraordinary three-touchdown performance and a decisive late scoring drive.
BYU improved to 6-0 and earned one of the biggest wins in its recent program history, while Notre Dame suffered its first defeat of the season. With the AP Top 25 rankings set for a shake-up, the result could have lasting consequences for both teams’ postseason ambitions.
The Cougars now turn their attention to UCF, while Notre Dame prepares for Navy after its bye week. The dramatic finish in Provo will remain one of the defining games of the 2026 college football season.
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