A formation of F-35A Lightning fighter jets will fly over LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo just before the BYU/Notre Dame game on Oct. 17, 2026, adding a dramatic flair to this highly anticipated matchup.
Why it matters: The flyover coincides with a key college football game that has major implications for both teams. This event marks the first time BYU and Notre Dame face off as ranked teams, with both vying for playoff positions.
The F-35A jets will fly at about 1,000 feet above the stadium, lower than usual, creating a loud spectacle for fans and residents in Utah County.
Hill Air Force Base’s 388th Fighter Wing and the Reserve 419th Fighter Wing are organizing the flyover, with Lt. Col. Jefferson Page, a BYU alumnus, among the pilots.
Kickoff for the game is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Mountain Time on Oct. 17.
Notre Dame is currently ranked No. 2 and BYU is ranked No. 8 in the AP Top 25 College Football Poll.
Driving the news: The excitement surrounding the game is amplified by ESPN's College GameDay, which will broadcast from Provo for the first time since 2009. This event highlights the significance of the matchup, featuring two undefeated teams.
Both BYU and Notre Dame enter the game with impressive records: BYU at 5-0 and Notre Dame at 6-0.
Steve Young, a Hall of Fame quarterback and BYU alumnus, will serve as the guest picker for College GameDay.
This game is viewed as one of the biggest non-conference games of the season, with potential playoff implications for both teams.
State of play: The stakes are high for both teams as they look to solidify their standings in the College Football Playoff race. A victory for BYU could provide them with instant credibility as a playoff contender.
A win would open two potential paths for BYU to reach the playoffs: winning the Big 12 or securing an at-large bid with a victory over Notre Dame.
ESPN's Rece Davis emphasized the importance of this game for BYU, stating, "A win gives them instant credibility in terms of being a playoff contender."
Conversely, a loss could put pressure on Notre Dame in their later game against Miami, making this matchup a true test for both teams.
The big picture: This matchup is not just about rankings; it's about establishing dominance in college football. Both teams are looking to make a statement to their fans and to the national audience.
BYU's head coach, Kalani Sitake, has been vocal about the importance of this game, as it could define their season and playoff aspirations.
For Notre Dame, maintaining their undefeated status is key to their playoff hopes and reputation as a perennial powerhouse.
The game is expected to attract a large crowd, with local fans eagerly anticipating the showdown between these two storied programs.
What they're saying: Analysts and former players are weighing in on the significance of this matchup, highlighting the potential impact on both teams' playoff chances.
Rece Davis noted that BYU's performance could change perceptions about the Big 12 Conference, saying, "If BYU looks like an equal team, it elevates the perception of the Big 12."
Experts believe that a competitive loss for BYU could still benefit them in the long run, enhancing their reputation nationally.
Kalani Sitake expressed confidence in his team's abilities, emphasizing the importance of playing well in front of their home crowd.
By the numbers: The statistics surrounding this game add depth to its significance.
Notre Dame is favored by 10.5 points, with a moneyline of -430 compared to BYU's +330.
The over/under for the game is set at 46.5 points, indicating expectations for a competitive matchup.
Both teams are undefeated, with Notre Dame holding a 6-0 record and BYU at 5-0, making this a rare clash of top-tier teams.
What's next: As the game approaches, anticipation continues to build among fans and analysts alike.
With kickoff at 5:30 p.m. MT, the atmosphere in Provo is expected to be electric, fueled by the flyover and the presence of College GameDay.
Fans can catch the game on ABC or stream it via the ESPN app, ensuring widespread viewership.
The outcome of this game will likely have lasting implications for both teams in their pursuit of playoff spots, shaping the narrative of the rest of the season.