No. 4 Notre Dame defeated Wisconsin 41-13 on Sunday night, September 6, 2026, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, in a game marked by a dominant second half performance.
Why it matters: This victory showcases Notre Dame's resurgence following a sluggish first half, reinforcing their position as a contender for the College Football Playoff.
The Fighting Irish outscored the Badgers 28-3 in the second half, demonstrating their ability to adapt and dominate.
Aneyas Williams emerged as a key player, rushing for 90 yards and scoring two touchdowns.
This win marks Notre Dame's continued success in the Shamrock Series, now 13 editions strong.
Driving the news: The game began with both teams struggling offensively, resulting in a series of three-and-outs. Wisconsin opened the scoring with a 27-yard field goal from Gavin Lahm in the first quarter.
Notre Dame responded with a 52-yard field goal from Spencer Porath, tying the game at 3-3.
In the first quarter, CJ Carr threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to James Flanigan, giving the Irish a 10-3 lead.
Wisconsin equalized in the second quarter with a 28-yard touchdown pass from Colton Joseph to Malachi Coleman.
State of play: The first half ended with Notre Dame leading 13-10 after Porath kicked a 26-yard field goal.
Notre Dame's offense struggled early, rushing for only 29 yards on 16 carries in the first half.
Styles Prescod made his first career start and recovered a fumble that could have turned disastrous for the Irish.
Both teams faced challenges with special teams, including a muffed kick return by Wisconsin that led to a Notre Dame touchdown.
The big picture: Notre Dame's second-half performance was a stark improvement, highlighted by a 70-yard drive capped by Williams’ 3-yard touchdown run.
DJ McKinney's 55-yard interception return for a touchdown significantly shifted momentum, extending the lead to 27-10.
Williams added another touchdown with a 5-yard run, pushing the score to 34-13 with 10:48 left in the game.
CJ Carr finished the game 19-for-29 passing for 239 yards, including a final touchdown pass to Nolan James Jr.
What they're saying: The Irish players expressed relief and determination after overcoming a rocky start.
"We knew we had to come out strong in the second half," Williams said. "We made adjustments and executed our plays effectively."
CJ Carr noted, "It was important for us to show our potential, especially after last season's disappointment in the playoffs."
Head coach Marcus Freeman emphasized the need for consistency moving forward, stating, "We can't afford to start slow against tougher opponents."
By the numbers: The Irish's statistical performance showcased their dominance, especially in the second half.
Notre Dame scored 28 points in the second half compared to Wisconsin's 3 points.
The Irish held Wisconsin to just 1.4 yards per rush during the game's final 30 minutes.
Attendance for the game was 75,939, marking a strong turnout for the Shamrock Series.
Between the lines: The game highlighted both teams' struggles and strengths, with Notre Dame's defense stepping up when it mattered most.
Wisconsin's inability to maintain possession due to turnovers proved costly, with two fumbles leading to Notre Dame touchdowns.
Notre Dame's offensive line improved in the second half, allowing for more effective rushing plays.
Defensive adjustments by the Irish limited Wisconsin's effectiveness, particularly in the run game.
What's next: Following this victory, Notre Dame will host Rice on Saturday, September 12, 2026.
Wisconsin is set to face Western Illinois on the same day, seeking to bounce back from this defeat.
Both teams will need to address their early-game inconsistencies as they move forward in the season.