Brief

Notre Dame loses to BYU after red‑zone mishaps

Red‑zone errors and a late fumble helped BYU defeat No. 2 Notre Dame 28‑24 on Oct. 17 in Provo.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sun, 18 Oct 2026 20:00:27 GMT

Notre Dame’s loss to BYU 28‑24 on Saturday night in Provo, Utah, was sealed by missed red‑zone opportunities and a critical fumble, the Associated Press reported.

In the first half, Notre Dame drove to the BYU five‑yard line but quarterback CJ Carr spiked the ball and mishandled it, resulting in a turnover after officials ruled a fumble. The loss marked only the second turnover for the Irish this season. BYU linebacker Isaiah Glasker recovered the ball.

Notre Dame later narrowed the halftime gap with field goals from Spencer Porath (31 and 39 yards) after special‑teams miscues by BYU, including a muffed punt by Cannon DeViries and a failed fake punt by Fuller Shurtz.

In the second half, Notre Dame’s defense forced a turnover when Jayden Sanders intercepted Bear Bachmeier at the Irish 15 with 8:05 left, but the offense went three‑and‑out. Bachmeier then led BYU on a drive culminating in a 6‑yard touchdown pass to Walker Lyons with 1:47 remaining, giving BYU the lead.

Notre Dame’s final drive reached the BYU eight‑yard line, but Carr’s pass to Greathouse fell incomplete. BYU’s defense held on for the win, their first over a top‑10 opponent since 2018.

Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman called the fumble “crucial,” while BYU coach Kalani Sitake took responsibility for the fake‑punt call that failed. BYU linebacker Cade Uluave praised his team’s resilience.

Key facts

Notre Dame lost to BYU 28‑24 in Provo, Utah. (winnipegfreepress.com)
CJ Carr fumbled a spike on the Irish’s red‑zone drive before halftime. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Bear Bachmeier threw a go‑ahead touchdown pass with 1:47 left. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Spencer Porath made two field goals (31 and 39 yards) for Notre Dame. (winnipegfreepress.com)
BYU’s last win over a Top‑10 team was in 2018. (winnipegfreepress.com)