Brief

BYU upsets No. 2 Notre Dame 28‑24 on late Bachmeier drive

Bear Bachmeier’s late touchdown pass and a goal‑line stop secured BYU’s first win over Notre Dame since 2004.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sun, 18 Oct 2026 11:46:30 GMT

Bear Bachmeier threw a go‑ahead touchdown pass with 1:47 left in the fourth quarter and BYU’s defense stopped No. 2 Notre Dame at the goal line to preserve a 28‑24 victory on Saturday night in Provo, Utah.

What happened

The Cougars (6‑0) trailed Notre Dame (6‑1) 24‑21 late in the fourth quarter. Bachmeier connected with a receiver for a touchdown that put BYU ahead 28‑24. After the score, Notre Dame drove deep into BYU territory, reaching the BYU nine‑yard line with four seconds remaining, but CJ Carr’s final pass fell incomplete in the end zone, sealing the upset.

What the reports add

The New York Post noted that the win capped a “wild Saturday” in which five of the top eight AP‑ranked teams lost, a pattern not seen since November 17, 2012, according to Sportradar. The Winnipeg Free Press highlighted Bachmeier’s overall performance – 224 passing yards, two rushing touchdowns, and a receiving touchdown – and mentioned Preston Rex’s 66 rushing yards on ten carries.

What was said

Both outlets quoted the AP description of the finish but did not include direct remarks from coaches or players. The New York Post reported that CJ Carr completed several clutch passes, including a fourth‑down throw to Micah Gilbert that set up the final drive.

How it came about

BYU entered the game unbeaten after a 28‑17 win over Arizona that sparked a viral discussion about Bachmeier’s family (see Felo’s Sep 23 story). Earlier in the season, Bachmeier posted a 329‑yard, three‑TD performance against Iowa State (Oct 14) and a two‑TD, game‑winning effort against TCU on Oct 4 (Oct 4). The Notre Dame upset therefore continues a run of standout games for the freshman quarterback.

Key facts

Bear Bachmeier threw a go‑ahead touchdown pass with 1:47 left. (winnipegfreepress.com)
BYU defeated No. 2 Notre Dame 28‑24. (nypost.com)
Bachmeier finished with 224 passing yards, two rushing touchdowns and a receiving touchdown. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Preston Rex contributed 66 rushing yards on ten carries. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Five of the top eight AP‑ranked teams lost on the same day, a first since Nov 17, 2012. (nypost.com)