Notre Dame Holds Off Miami 31-24 in Playoff-Shaping Win
Notre Dame beat top-ranked Miami 31-24 on Saturday night in South Bend, giving the Fighting Irish a major win in a contest that could reshape the College Football Playoff picture.
The fourth-ranked Irish improved to 8-1, matching Miami’s record after the Hurricanes absorbed their first loss. Notre Dame had been placed 11th in the playoff committee’s initial rankings, while Miami opened at No. 1.
Carr and Talich deliver late
Quarterback CJ Carr threw for 319 yards and three touchdowns, according to the Associated Press and Notre Dame’s official recap. The Irish built a lead, then had to withstand Miami’s push in the second half.
Safety Luke Talich helped keep the visitors from completing their comeback. AP reported that his late interception set up a Notre Dame score, and that he knocked the ball loose on a Miami play that could have produced a tying touchdown in the closing minutes.
The result also reversed the teams’ 2025 season opener, which Miami won. AP said the victory strengthens Notre Dame’s playoff position; the committee is due to release its next rankings on Tuesday.
The helmets and stadium shown above are an AI-generated conceptual scene. They do not depict actual players or moments from Saturday’s game.
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