Notre Dame Stuns No. 1 Miami 31-24

Notre Dame held on after building a 21-point lead, with Miami disputing a late fourth-quarter catch that officials ruled incomplete.

Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Football

Notre Dame defeated No. 1 Miami 31-24 on Saturday night in South Bend, Ind. CJ Carr threw for 319 yards and three touchdowns as the Fighting Irish rallied past a Hurricanes team that had trailed 24-3 early in the third quarter.

Why it matters

Notre Dame came into the game knowing another loss to Miami could doom its national championship hopes. The result gives the Fighting Irish a significant win over the top-ranked team in the country.

The final score was 31-24, with CJ Carr passing for 319 yards and three touchdowns for Notre Dame. Miami trailed 24-3 early in the third quarter before cutting the deficit, and officials' ruling that Elija Lofton did not complete a late catch remains disputed by Miami.

The players

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

The University of Notre Dame's football program, a longtime national power that competes as an independent in college football.

Miami Hurricanes

The University of Miami's football program, which entered the game ranked No. 1 in the country.

CJ Carr

Notre Dame's quarterback, who threw for 319 yards and three touchdowns in the win.

Darian Mensah

Miami's quarterback, who threw three touchdown passes in the loss.

The details

Notre Dame scored touchdown passes to build a 21-point lead before holding on to win. Micah Gilbert caught two touchdown passes and Jordan Faison caught one for the Fighting Irish, while Darian Mensah threw three touchdown passes for Miami.

Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026: Notre Dame defeats Miami 31-24 in South Bend, Ind.
Last season: Notre Dame suffers the most damaging loss to Miami of recent years.

Season Trajectory

The win reshapes the national title picture, since Notre Dame had been facing elimination from title contention with another loss to Miami. It also adds a new chapter to the decades-old dispute Miami has pressed over the Cleveland Gary fumble in its 1988 loss at Notre Dame.

The result shifts the College Football Playoff race, since Notre Dame had been facing elimination from national title contention with another loss to Miami. Fans tracking the standings should watch how Miami's ranking and the playoff bracket adjust after the upset.

The takeaway

Notre Dame's win keeps its national championship hopes alive after a result that many had considered a potential season-ender. For college football fans, the game is a reminder that a single late officiating call can shape a rivalry's history for decades.