Bettis Jr. Scores First Touchdown in Notre Dame Win
Freshman wide receiver Jerome Bettis Jr. caught a 31-yard touchdown pass as Notre Dame beat Navy 35-13 at Gillette Stadium.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Football
Jerome Bettis Jr. caught a 31-yard touchdown pass from CJ Carr in the fourth quarter as Notre Dame defeated Navy 35-13 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Bettis Jr. recorded a team-high six receptions for 78 yards in the win.
Why it matters
The performance gives Notre Dame's passing game another reliable target as the Fighting Irish, now 7-1, prepare for a matchup with No. 1-ranked Miami (7-0). Bettis Jr. is the son of former Notre Dame standout Jerome Bettis Sr.
Bettis Jr. finished with six catches for 78 yards after entering the game with four catches for 92 yards. Notre Dame improved to 7-1 on the season.
The players
Jerome Bettis Jr.
A redshirt freshman wide receiver for Notre Dame and son of former Fighting Irish running back Jerome Bettis Sr., who starred at Notre Dame before a long NFL career.
CJ Carr
Notre Dame quarterback who threw the 31-yard touchdown pass to Bettis Jr. against Navy.
The details
Carr threw the touchdown to Bettis Jr. after the receiver gained separation. It was Bettis Jr.'s first career touchdown, and the redshirt freshman had lost part of his spring to a foot injury.
Timeline
Oct. 31, 2026: Notre Dame defeats Navy 35-13 at Gillette Stadium.
Next Saturday: Notre Dame faces No. 1-ranked Miami (7-0).
Season Trajectory
Notre Dame's 7-1 start positions it for a major test against top-ranked Miami next week. Bettis Jr.'s emergence adds a developing option to a Fighting Irish offense seeking consistency in its passing game.
Bettis Jr.'s six catches and 78 yards give fantasy managers a receiver to monitor as Notre Dame prepares for Miami. His increased usage could shape how the Fighting Irish distribute targets in a high-stakes game.
The takeaway
Bettis Jr.'s first touchdown shows Notre Dame has developing depth at receiver just as the schedule becomes more demanding. Readers following the team should watch how his targets change against Miami.
What happens next
Notre Dame faces No. 1-ranked Miami (7-0) next Saturday, a game that will test the Fighting Irish's 7-1 record.
Further reading
Explore more Football coverage for context on Notre Dame's season and its upcoming matchup with Miami.
