Notre Dame defeats Wisconsin 41-13 after controversial replay call at Lambeau Field

2 sources2 min read • Latest: Sep 7, 2026, 6:02 AM

Last updated Sep 7, 2026

Notre Dame defeats Wisconsin 41-13 after controversial replay call at Lambeau Field
Summary

No. 4 Notre Dame secured a 41-13 victory over Wisconsin at Lambeau Field after pulling away in the second half. The game, initially tied 3-3, featured a pivotal officiating decision late in the first quarter regarding a fumble recovery. Officials ruled that Notre Dame’s Kahanu Kia recovered a loose kickoff at the Wisconsin 13-yard line, a call upheld by replay despite protests from observers including former Wisconsin player J.J. Watt. The Fighting Irish capitalized on the possession with a 3-yard touchdown pass from CJ Carr to James Flanigan. While the call sparked significant criticism regarding the accuracy of the recovery, Notre Dame eventually dominated the second half, outscoring the Badgers 28-3 to turn the contest into a one-sided result. Wisconsin continues to face struggles under coach Luke Fickell following the loss.

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By the Numbers
  • Notre Dame defeated Wisconsin 41-13 at Lambeau Field.
  • Officials upheld a controversial fumble recovery ruling that set up a Notre Dame touchdown.
  • J.J. Watt and other analysts questioned the accuracy of the replay review.
  • The Fighting Irish outscored the Badgers 28-3 in the second half to pull away.
Latest Updates
  • 6:02 AMYahoo SportsNFL Legend J.J. Watt Sounds Off on Controversial Call in Wisconsin-Notre Dame Game
  • 5:34 AMYahoo Sports‘How Could You Possibly Uphold That?!’ — JJ Watt Struggling To Wrap His Head Around Controversial Call Going Notre Dame’s Way Vs. Wisconsin
What they're saying
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Former Wisconsin star J.J. Watt was among those questioning a controversial replay decision during the Badgers’ season opener against No. 4 Notre Dame on Sunday night.The controversy began late in the first quarter at Lambeau Field after Notre Dame kicker Spencer Porath connected on a 52-yard field goal to tie the game at 3. On […] The post NFL Legend J.J. Watt Sounds Off on Controversial Call in Wisconsin-Notre Dame Game appeared first on HEAVY.

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A controversial replay call late in the first quarter quickly became a major talking point in No. 4 Notre Dame’s matchup against Wisconsin at Lambeau Field, sparking criticism from fans and analysts, including former Wisconsin star J.

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