Experts identify BYU game against Notre Dame as pivotal for program

BYU enters the 2026 football season with high expectations following back-to-back double-digit win campaigns. While the Cougars open their schedule against Utah Tech, analysts and program observers point to the October 17 matchup against Notre Dame as the most significant regular-season game in school history. The contest in Provo is widely considered a potential turning point for national perception of the Big 12. BYU previously finished last season after losses to Texas Tech derailed potential College Football Playoff aspirations. The team aims to utilize the upcoming high-profile meeting with the Irish to establish legitimacy as a consistent postseason contender. Both schools must navigate their respective schedules successfully for the mid-October clash to reach its anticipated level of national importance.

• 10:00 AMYahoo Sports — The experts agree: BYU’s game against Notre Dame is its most important game on the schedule — and it’s not even close