BYU Defeats Fourth-Ranked Notre Dame 28-24
The Fighting Irish fall to 6-1 following a controversial finish against BYU.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Football
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BYU secured a 28-24 victory over fourth-ranked Notre Dame, marking a significant setback for the Fighting Irish. The game concluded under scrutiny due to a disputed non-call on a late pass interference play.
Why it matters
The loss impacts Notre Dame's standing as they navigate the remainder of their schedule. The team currently sits at a 6-1 record and must maintain top-tier performance to ensure a playoff position.
Notre Dame currently holds a 6-1 record and remains in the hunt for a playoff spot, which requires a top 12 ranking. The final score settled at 28-24 in favor of BYU.
The players
BYU
The Brigham Young University Cougars represent the university's intercollegiate football team that competes in the Big 12 Conference.
Notre Dame
The University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish operate as an independent football program that consistently ranks among the top teams in the nation.
The details
The game ended on a tense note as officials declined to call pass interference on the final play of the matchup. Furthermore, the game clock did not receive an additional second after the final sequence concluded.
Timeline
October 19, 2026
November 7, 2026
Season Trajectory
This defeat complicates Notre Dame's path to the postseason, forcing them to win upcoming games against teams like Miami to stay within the playoff bracket. A loss to Miami could jeopardize their eligibility by dropping them outside the critical top 12 threshold.
Notre Dame must secure a win against Miami on November 7 to remain a top 12 playoff team. Failing to win that matchup could cause the team to fall out of the top 12 in the College Football Playoff standings.
The takeaway
Notre Dame must now focus on its upcoming schedule, which includes games against Navy, Boston College, SMU, and Syracuse. The team needs consistent victories to recover from this loss and maintain its standing for playoff qualification.
What happens next
Notre Dame is scheduled to host Miami on November 7, 2026.
Further reading
For more analysis on the season standings, visit the United States Football section.
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Should teams with easier schedules be excluded from the playoffs after losing to unranked opponents?
