BYU holds off Notre Dame in a top-10 statement

By Victory Pulse · Published October 18, 2026
Game played Saturday, October 17, 2026

FINAL · Team rankings are entering-game AP rankings.

BYU defeated Notre Dame 28–24 in Provo, handing the Irish a major setback in a matchup between top-10 teams.

Notre Dame moved back in front in the second half, but BYU answered with the decisive touchdown drive. The Irish reached the closing play with a chance, yet could not produce the winning score.

The numbers that matter

Final margin: four points in a matchup of top-10 teams.

The Victory Pulse view

Victory Pulse analysis: The ranking discussion needs to account for the winner as well as the loser. BYU earned a result that strengthens its case near the top. Notre Dame’s response will be measured by the next performance rather than an assumption that one road defeat ends its season.