Notre Dame defeats Wisconsin 41-13 in season opener at Lambeau Field
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 7, 2026, 3:08 AM
Last updated Sep 7, 2026
Notre Dame overcame a slow start to defeat Wisconsin 41-13 on Sunday in the team's 2026 season opener at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. The Irish struggled early with penalties and stalled drives, failing to generate sustained momentum during the first half. A 52-yard field goal from Spencer Porath and a turnover recovered by Kahanu Kia helped shift the game’s trajectory before halftime. Notre Dame pulled away in the second half behind a scoring drive and a pick-six interception by DJ McKinney. Head coach Marcus Freeman, who aimed for a dominant opening performance, saw his team recover after an initial three-and-out series and a partially blocked punt. Brauntae Johnson and Jason Onye missed the contest due to injuries.
- •Notre Dame defeated Wisconsin 41-13 in Sunday's season opener at Lambeau Field.
- •DJ McKinney recorded a pick-six touchdown in the second half to help secure the win.
- •Spencer Porath converted a 52-yard field goal to help spark the Irish offense.
- •Brauntae Johnson and Jason Onye were sidelined for the opener due to injuries.
- •The Irish offense struggled early, finishing the opening possession with negative yardage.
- 3:08 AMYahoo Sports — Sluggishness rides shotgun with Notre Dame football in opener vs Wisconsin
"A first half that was anything but easy for Notre Dame football turned into something of a laugher against Wisconsin in 2026 season opener.
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