Experts say BYU vs. Notre Dame will be the Cougars' defining game of 2026

College football commentators Trevor Matich, Nicole Auerbach, John Kurtz and Jon Wilner all told one outlet that BYU’s Oct. 17 home game against Notre Dame is the most important contest the Cougars will face this season, eclipsing even historic wins over Miami and Texas A&M. They argue a victory would elevate BYU’s standing, possibly allowing a playoff berth without a conference title, and would help the Big 12 shed its national perception problem.

The matchup pits sophomore quarterback Bear Bachmeier against a top-five Irish team led by Heisman contender CJ Carr. While BYU coach Kalani Sitake stresses equal importance for all twelve games, he also recalled the opportunity to host a traditional Catholic school as a fan-first decision. Ticket prices have surged, with average resale values exceeding $500, reflecting the game’s high demand.