Bettis Jr. Scores First Notre Dame Touchdown
The 19-year-old wide receiver caught a 31-yard pass from CJ Carr in Notre Dame's 35-13 win over Navy.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Football
Jerome Bettis Jr. recorded his first collegiate touchdown on a 31-yard catch from CJ Carr during Notre Dame's 35-13 victory over Navy. The wide receiver finished with six catches for 78 yards in the game.
Why it matters
The score marks a notable early milestone for a freshman wide receiver in the Notre Dame offense. Bettis Jr. is the son of former Notre Dame and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jerome Bettis Sr., linking the touchdown to a family legacy in South Bend.
Bettis Jr. recorded six catches for 78 yards against Navy after entering the game with four receptions on the season. The data does not indicate how his usage will change in upcoming games.
The players
Jerome Bettis Jr.
A 19-year-old wide receiver for Notre Dame and the son of former Steelers star Jerome Bettis Sr.
Jerome Bettis Sr.
A Notre Dame and NFL running back who ranks second all-time on the Pittsburgh Steelers in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns.
CJ Carr
Notre Dame's quarterback who threw the 31-yard touchdown pass to Bettis Jr.
The details
Bettis Jr. left his defender and caught a pass from CJ Carr for the 31-yard score in the second half of the 35-13 win. He gained playing time after the outcome was decided on the scoreboard.
Timeline
Almost 33 years ago, Jerome Bettis Sr. scored his final touchdown for Notre Dame.
Last Saturday, Bettis Jr. scored his first collegiate touchdown against Navy.
Saturday, Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m. ET, Notre Dame kicks off against Miami at Notre Dame Stadium.
Season Trajectory
Bettis Jr.'s first touchdown echoes the 1991 season when his father Jerome Bettis Sr. scored 20 total touchdowns at Notre Dame and averaged 5.7 yards per carry. The score adds a new chapter to the Bettis family's Notre Dame legacy as the Irish prepare for a top-ranked Miami opponent.
Bettis Jr.'s rising role could affect fantasy and betting considerations for Notre Dame's passing game in the Miami matchup. Fans watching the game can track whether his targets increase after his breakout performance against Navy.
The takeaway
A single touchdown can shift how a young player is viewed within a program, especially when it arrives with a famous family name attached. Watching his snap count against Miami will show whether the coaching staff sees him as a consistent contributor.
What happens next
Notre Dame hosts Miami at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Further reading
Follow more Notre Dame football coverage for updates on the Irish's next game against Miami.
