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Notre Dame vs BYU: Final Score, Stats and the Shocking Finish
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No. 8 BYU delivered one of the biggest statements of the 2026 college football season, defeating No. 2 Notre Dame 28-24 on Saturday night in Provo, Utah. The Cougars scored the winning touchdown with 1:47 remaining, then held off a desperate final drive to hand the Fighting Irish their first loss of the season.
Notre Dame had fought back from an 11-point halftime deficit to take a 24-21 lead in the fourth quarter. But BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier answered when it mattered most, and the Cougars' defense survived Notre Dame's final push to the goal line.
The result was more than a narrow victory. It was a major upset with potential consequences for the College Football Playoff race, the national rankings and both teams' championship ambitions.
For fans searching for the Notre Dame vs BYU final score, football stats, player performances, highlights and the final play, here is a complete breakdown of the game and what it means for the rest of the season.
Notre Dame vs BYU Final Score
Final: BYU 28, Notre Dame 24
The game took place on October 17, 2026, at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah. Notre Dame entered the matchup ranked No. 2 nationally with a 6-0 record, while No. 8 BYU was also undefeated at 5-0.
| Game detail | Result |
|---|---|
| Final score | BYU 28, Notre Dame 24 |
| Date | Saturday, October 17, 2026 |
| Location | LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, Utah |
| Notre Dame ranking | No. 2 |
| BYU ranking | No. 8 |
| Winning quarterback | Bear Bachmeier |
| Decisive touchdown | BYU, with 1:47 remaining |
| Notre Dame record after game | 6-1 |
| BYU record after game | 6-0 |
BYU entered the matchup looking for a signature win against one of the country's most recognizable programs. The Cougars delivered it in front of a sold-out home crowd, ending Notre Dame's undefeated start and strengthening their own position in the national conversation.
The final score also reflected how competitive the matchup became. BYU controlled much of the first half, but Notre Dame responded with a second-half rally that nearly produced another comeback victory.
How BYU Beat Notre Dame: The Game-Changing Moments
The outcome was shaped by three major developments: BYU's explosive first-half offense, Notre Dame's comeback and the Cougars' late scoring drive.
1. BYU struck first and built a halftime advantage
The Cougars began with an aggressive offensive approach. Bachmeier used both his arm and his legs to keep Notre Dame's defense off balance, helping BYU establish early momentum.
Notre Dame's defense also suffered an important setback when defensive end Boubacar Traore was ejected after a targeting call during BYU's opening possession. Losing a key defensive player so early forced the Irish to adjust while trying to contain an offense that was already finding opportunities.
Notre Dame responded with a long field goal from Spencer Porath and eventually found the end zone through running back Nolan James Jr. However, BYU answered with creative offensive plays, including a touchdown in which Bachmeier caught a pass after a backward throw.
The Cougars added another rushing touchdown before halftime to take a 21-10 lead.
That 11-point advantage put pressure on Notre Dame to deliver a much more efficient second half.
2. Notre Dame mounted a determined fourth-quarter comeback
The Fighting Irish did not allow the deficit to become insurmountable.
Quarterback CJ Carr continued attacking through the air, while the offense mixed passing plays with runs designed to move the chains and create opportunities near the goal line.
Wide receiver Jaden Greathouse became an important target, providing Notre Dame with several significant receptions. His ability to gain yards downfield helped the Irish sustain drives and move into scoring position.
Notre Dame eventually turned its comeback into a lead when Jonaz Walton powered into the end zone. The Irish also converted a two-point attempt, moving ahead 24-21 with 9:31 remaining.
At that moment, Notre Dame appeared to have seized control of the game.
The defense needed one more major stop, however, and BYU still had time to respond.
3. Bear Bachmeier delivered the decisive touchdown
With the game on the line, BYU put together a 10-play, 55-yard drive.
Bachmeier remained composed under pressure, helping the Cougars move into scoring range before connecting on the go-ahead touchdown pass with 1:47 left.
The score changed the atmosphere inside LaVell Edwards Stadium. BYU had regained the lead, and Notre Dame was left with one final opportunity to save its undefeated season.
The Irish drove deep into BYU territory, but the Cougars' defense refused to surrender the winning points.
Notre Dame's final pass, intended for Greathouse in the end zone, fell incomplete as time expired. BYU had completed the upset.
Notre Dame vs BYU Player Stats: Who Made the Difference?
The most important performances came from Bachmeier, Carr and Greathouse. Their contributions showed two different approaches to winning a close college football game: explosive scoring versatility and sustained passing production.
Bear Bachmeier: BYU's offensive catalyst
Bachmeier was the central figure in the Cougars' victory.
He threw for 224 yards and accounted for four touchdowns: two rushing, one passing and one receiving. That versatility made him especially difficult for Notre Dame to defend.
His contribution was not limited to the box score. Bachmeier helped BYU maintain momentum in the first half and then delivered the scoring play that restored the lead late in the fourth quarter.
For BYU, his performance demonstrated the value of having a quarterback capable of creating opportunities in multiple ways. When the passing game alone was not enough, he could use his legs or contribute to unconventional plays.
CJ Carr: A productive performance in defeat
Carr completed 27 of 49 passes for 261 yards for Notre Dame.
Although the Irish fell short, Carr helped keep the offense within striking distance. His passing production supported the second-half rally, and he continued leading the offense during the final drive.
The difference was not simply passing yardage. Notre Dame needed to convert more of its opportunities into touchdowns and avoid leaving itself dependent on a final possession.
Carr's numbers showed that Notre Dame could move the ball against BYU. The result showed that moving the ball and finishing drives are not the same thing.
Jaden Greathouse: Notre Dame's leading receiving threat
Greathouse caught eight passes for 125 yards.
His production made him one of Notre Dame's most influential offensive players. He helped the Irish generate important gains during their comeback and remained a central target as the team attempted to respond to BYU's late touchdown.
The game ended with a pass intended for Greathouse falling incomplete in the end zone. That final moment did not erase his contribution, but it underscored how narrow the margin was between a potential Notre Dame victory and a BYU upset.
Other important contributions
Nolan James Jr. scored Notre Dame's first touchdown, while Walton provided the rushing score and successful two-point conversion that gave the Irish their late lead.
For BYU, Preston Rex added 66 rushing yards on 10 carries, giving the offense another useful option. On defense, the Cougars produced important stops during the second half, including the final stand that prevented Notre Dame from completing its comeback.
What Happened on the Final Drive?
This is the sequence many fans searching for Notre Dame vs BYU play-by-play want to understand.
After BYU took a 28-24 lead, Notre Dame still had a chance to answer. Carr moved the Irish downfield with a series of completions, and the offense continued advancing even as the clock became a factor.
A crucial fourth-down completion to Micah Gilbert helped Notre Dame reach the BYU nine-yard line with only seconds remaining.
The Fighting Irish were suddenly within reach of a potentially game-winning touchdown.
But BYU tightened its coverage, and Notre Dame could not complete the final pass into the end zone. The ball fell incomplete, ending the game with the Cougars ahead by four points.
The finish illustrated why close football games can turn on a handful of plays. BYU needed one late touchdown and one final defensive stand. Notre Dame needed to finish a promising drive with a score.
Only one team accomplished its final objective.
Why the Notre Dame vs BYU Upset Matters
BYU strengthens its College Football Playoff case
A victory over the No. 2 team in the country gives BYU a compelling result to present to the College Football Playoff selection committee.
The Cougars improved to 6-0, extending their unbeaten start and demonstrating that they could compete with an elite opponent under pressure.
The win does not guarantee a playoff berth or a particular ranking. The rest of BYU's schedule, the strength of its opponents and the results elsewhere will continue to matter.
Still, defeating Notre Dame is the type of victory that can distinguish a team when playoff contenders are compared.
Notre Dame loses its margin for error
Notre Dame fell to 6-1 after entering the game undefeated.
One loss does not automatically eliminate the Irish from the playoff picture. However, the defeat makes the remaining schedule more important and places greater pressure on the team to respond convincingly.
Notre Dame must evaluate why it fell behind by 11 points, how it can improve its execution and how the defense will adjust when key players are unavailable.
The comeback also offers a positive lesson: the Irish were capable of responding after a difficult first half. Their challenge is to produce that level of execution earlier and more consistently.
The national rankings could change significantly
The October 17 slate featured several major upsets and close games involving highly ranked teams. Notre Dame's defeat was part of a broader weekend that could reshape the national rankings.
BYU's victory gives the Cougars a strong argument for moving higher, while Notre Dame's position will depend on the poll results and the performance of other contenders.
For college football fans, this is why a single Saturday can change the conversation surrounding the entire playoff race.
Notre Dame vs BYU Head-to-Head History
Notre Dame entered the game holding a 7-2 advantage in the all-time series.
The teams last met in October 2022, when Notre Dame defeated the No. 16 Cougars 28-20 in the Shamrock Series at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
The 2026 meeting was the tenth matchup between the programs and a particularly significant one because both entered undefeated and ranked inside the top 10.
BYU's 28-24 victory reduced Notre Dame's historical advantage to 7-3.
The result also gave BYU a landmark win in front of its home fans, against a program with a long history of competing for national championships.
How to Watch Notre Dame vs BYU Football Highlights and Replay
The game has concluded, but fans can still look for official highlights, game recaps and available replay options.
Television: ABC carried the game live in the United States.
Streaming: Fans can check ABC's official streaming options and participating live-TV streaming services for replay availability. Access requirements and on-demand availability may vary by provider.
For highlights, focus on these moments:
Bachmeier's early rushing touchdown.
BYU's unconventional receiving touchdown.
Walton's touchdown and two-point conversion.
The late BYU scoring drive.
Notre Dame's final possession and the defensive stop.
These sequences explain the game's biggest momentum swings more clearly than the final score alone.
What Comes Next for Notre Dame and BYU?
BYU's next scheduled game is against UCF on October 24, 2026. The Cougars will need to avoid a letdown after a major emotional victory and continue building their case as a serious contender.
Notre Dame is scheduled to return on October 31 against Navy at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The Irish have time to assess the loss, address their first-half struggles and prepare for the remainder of their schedule.
Both teams still have meaningful opportunities ahead. BYU must demonstrate that its victory was part of a sustainable run rather than a single outstanding night. Notre Dame must show that it can recover from its first setback and remain competitive in the playoff race.
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Notre Dame vs BYU: Frequently Asked Questions
Who won Notre Dame vs BYU?
BYU defeated Notre Dame 28-24 on October 17, 2026, at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah.
What was the final score of Notre Dame vs BYU?
The final score was BYU 28, Notre Dame 24. The Cougars scored the winning touchdown with 1:47 remaining.
How did BYU beat Notre Dame?
BYU built a 21-10 halftime lead, survived Notre Dame's second-half comeback and scored a late touchdown before stopping the Irish on their final possession.
How many passing yards did CJ Carr have?
Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr completed 27 of 49 passes for 261 yards.
What were Bear Bachmeier's stats?
BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier threw for 224 yards and accounted for four touchdowns: two rushing, one passing and one receiving.
How many receiving yards did Jaden Greathouse record?
Greathouse caught eight passes for 125 yards for Notre Dame.
Has BYU ever beaten Notre Dame?
Yes. BYU's 28-24 win in October 2026 was its third victory in the teams' ten-game series, improving its all-time record against Notre Dame to 3-7.
Where could fans watch Notre Dame vs BYU?
The game aired on ABC in the United States. Fans should check official broadcaster and streaming-service listings for available replays and highlights.
Final Takeaway
The Notre Dame vs BYU game delivered the kind of finish that defines a memorable college football Saturday. BYU overcame Notre Dame's late comeback, Bear Bachmeier produced a four-touchdown performance and the Cougars made the final defensive stop to secure a 28-24 upset.
For BYU, the victory is a major boost to its national ambitions. For Notre Dame, it is a reminder that a slow start can be costly even when a comeback nearly succeeds.
The next chapter will be just as important: BYU must maintain its momentum, while Notre Dame must show how it responds to adversity.
Stay with MYWORKE.COM for more college football scores, player statistics, game recaps and the biggest developments in the race for the 2026 College Football Playoff.