Photo via CBS Sports

BYU is playing for a nice resume boost on Saturday, Notre Dame is fighting for its CFP life

No. 8 BYU Cougars will host No.

2 Notre Dame on Saturday in a matchup that could reshape both teams’ playoff trajectories. For BYU, the game offers a chance to solidify its standing as a top-tier Big 12 program ahead of the first College Football Playoff rankings, where their dominance on defense and offensive efficiency has already drawn attention.

Meanwhile, Notre Dame—ranked first nationally in total defense—faces a critical test after being left out of last year’s playoff field despite a 10-2 record. A loss to BYU would complicate their path to a second consecutive playoff appearance, especially with tougher challenges from Miami and SMU still looming.

Notre Dame’s head coach, Freeman, framed the game as an opportunity to prove their competitiveness against the best, emphasizing the team’s mentality of treating every opponent as their toughest yet. With the Irish needing to finish inside the top 12 to secure a playoff spot, the stakes could not be higher for a program chasing its first national title since 1988.

Up nextCollege Football· 7h ago

2026 College Football Playoff bracket projection: UCLA just misses cut, Notre Dame into top four