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Notre Dame Knocks Off No. 1 Miami in South Bend, Ending Hurricanes' Perfect Season With 31-24 Victory

 

 

SOUTH BEND, IND. — November 7, 2026

The Miami Hurricanes' undefeated season came to an end Saturday night as No. 4 Notre Dame defeated the nation's top-ranked team 31-24 at Notre Dame Stadium in a highly anticipated showdown between two historic college football programs.

In a game filled with playoff implications, Notre Dame established control early, built a 21-point advantage and ultimately held off a second-half Miami comeback to secure one of the biggest victories of its season.

For the Fighting Irish, the victory also represented redemption after Miami defeated Notre Dame 27-24 in last year's season opener, a result that ultimately played a significant role in keeping the Irish out of the College Football Playoff.

For Miami, the defeat was its first of the 2026 campaign and a reminder that even the nation's top-ranked teams can be vulnerable when facing elite competition on the road.

Notre Dame Establishes Control Early

Notre Dame wasted little time setting the tone in front of its home crowd.

The Fighting Irish opened the scoring with a 44-yard field goal from Spencer Porath, capping an impressive opening possession that put Miami's defense under immediate pressure.

The Irish extended their advantage early in the second quarter when quarterback CJ Carr connected with Jordan Faison on a 27-yard touchdown pass, giving Notre Dame a 10-0 lead.

Miami finally responded with a 19-yard field goal from Jake Weinberg after putting together its most promising offensive possession of the first half.

However, the Hurricanes struggled to capitalize on opportunities inside the red zone, including a possession that ended without a touchdown from the Notre Dame one-yard line.

Notre Dame took advantage of Miami's missed opportunities.

With less than two minutes remaining before halftime, Carr found Micah Gilbert for an 18-yard touchdown, extending the Irish advantage to 17-3.

At halftime, Notre Dame had dictated the pace of the game, while Miami's offense struggled to establish the rhythm that had made it so dangerous throughout the season.

Notre Dame Extends the Lead to 21

The Hurricanes needed a strong opening to the second half, but Notre Dame delivered another major blow.

After Miami's opening possession stalled, Jordan Faison returned a Dylan Joyce punt 56 yards, giving the Irish excellent field position.

Just two plays later, Carr connected with Gilbert again, this time for a touchdown that extended Notre Dame's lead to 24-3.

Miami was suddenly facing its largest deficit of the season.

Despite the difficult circumstances, the Hurricanes refused to fold.

Miami Begins Its Comeback

Quarterback Darian Mensah finally found his rhythm, leading Miami on consecutive touchdown drives to bring the Hurricanes back into contention.

The first touchdown came when Mensah connected with Elija Lofton for a 12-yard score, capping an 11-play, 65-yard drive.

Miami followed that possession with another impressive scoring drive, as Mensah found Cooper Barkate for a 12-yard touchdown.

After the extra point, the Hurricanes had cut Notre Dame's advantage to 24-17.

Miami's defense followed with a quick three-and-out, giving the visitors an opportunity to potentially tie the game.

However, Notre Dame's defense came up with a crucial play.

Mensah was intercepted by Luke Talich near midfield, ending Miami's promising possession and shifting momentum back toward the Fighting Irish.

Notre Dame quickly capitalized, as Nolan James Jr. punched in a one-yard rushing touchdown to restore the Irish's two-score advantage at 31-17.

Hurricanes Fight Until the Final Whistle

Miami continued to battle despite the setback.

With 9:53 remaining in the fourth quarter, Mensah and Barkate connected again, this time for a one-yard touchdown that brought the Hurricanes within seven points at 31-24.

The Miami defense needed another stop, and the offense needed one more opportunity to potentially complete the comeback.

The defining moment arrived with less than four minutes remaining.

Facing a critical fourth-down situation, Mensah connected with Lofton on what initially appeared to be a spectacular touchdown reception in the end zone.

However, Notre Dame defensive back Luke Talich made an outstanding play to knock the ball away before Lofton could complete the catch.

The officials ruled the pass incomplete, giving Notre Dame possession and effectively ending Miami's opportunity to tie the game.

The Fighting Irish managed the remaining clock, securing a 31-24 victory and handing the Hurricanes their first loss of the season.

Carr and Talich Lead the Fighting Irish

Notre Dame's victory was built around an outstanding performance from quarterback CJ Carr.

Carr completed 31 passes for 319 yards and three touchdowns, consistently finding opportunities against Miami's defense.

Micah Gilbert was particularly effective, recording two touchdown receptions, while Jordan Faison contributed another receiving touchdown.

Defensively, Talich delivered the two most important plays of the evening with his interception and his game-saving pass breakup in the end zone.

For Miami, Mensah finished with 276 passing yards and three touchdown passes.

Barkate recorded two touchdown receptions, while Lofton added another scoring catch.

However, the absence of injured wide receiver Malachi Toney was noticeable, particularly during Miami's early offensive struggles.

What This Means for Miami

For the Hurricanes, Saturday's defeat represents a significant setback in their pursuit of a national championship.

Miami entered South Bend undefeated and ranked No. 1 nationally, carrying considerable expectations into one of the biggest games of the regular season.

While the second-half comeback demonstrated the team's resilience, the slow offensive start, missed red-zone opportunities and costly interception ultimately proved too much to overcome.

The Hurricanes will now have to regroup and respond as the College Football Playoff race continues to take shape.

For Notre Dame, the victory provides a major boost to its postseason résumé and strengthens the Fighting Irish's position in the national championship conversation.

The rivalry between these two programs delivered another memorable chapter, and Saturday night's result will certainly be remembered as one of the defining moments of the 2026 college football season.

Final Score: Notre Dame 31, Miami 24

Scoring Summary:

• 1st Quarter — Spencer Porath, 44-yard FG (Notre Dame)

• 2nd Quarter — Jordan Faison, 27-yard TD reception (Notre Dame)

• 2nd Quarter — Jake Weinberg, 19-yard FG (Miami)

• 2nd Quarter — Micah Gilbert, 18-yard TD reception (Notre Dame)

• 3rd Quarter — Micah Gilbert, second TD reception (Notre Dame)

• 3rd Quarter — Elija Lofton, 12-yard TD 

  • 3rd Quarter — Cooper Barkate, 12-yard TD reception (Miami)

  • 4th Quarter — Nolan James Jr., 1-yard rushing TD (Notre Dame)

  • 4th Quarter — Cooper Barkate, 1-yard TD reception (Miami)

  Match coverage: PlugTalkSports

   

   

   

   

  Written by: Daniel Torres