Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs Purdue Boilermakers Predictions
Notre Dame’s defensive results favor the Irish, while Purdue’s passing production makes the four-touchdown spread a separate question from which team has the stronger record.
Matchup overview
Purdue’s passing production against Notre Dame’s defensive results is the central matchup in this September 26, 2026 college football meeting for the Shillelagh Trophy. The Boilermakers average 377 passing yards per game, ranked second nationally in the Indianapolis Star report, while the Fighting Irish allow 193 total yards per game. No. 3 Notre Dame brings a 3-0 record to a Purdue team sitting at 1-2. Those results support an Irish advantage, but SportsJaw’s 28-point spread asks considerably more than simply identifying the stronger team.
At a glance
Kickoff: Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 2 p.m. ET.
Venue: Ross-Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, Indiana.
Broadcast: Peacock.
Records: No. 3 Notre Dame is 3-0, with three straight wins; Purdue is 1-2 after consecutive losses. Against the spread, Notre Dame is 2-1 and Purdue is 1-2.
Depth chart: C.J. Carr leads Notre Dame’s quarterback listing; Aneyas Williams or Nolan James Jr. lead its running-back listing.
SportsJaw moneyline: Notre Dame -5,000; Purdue +1,500. Spread: Notre Dame -28 (-104); Purdue +28 (-112). Total: over 57.5 (-110) or under 57.5 (-110).
Notre Dame Fighting Irish outlook
Notre Dame’s latest result was a 27-10 victory over Michigan State. Through three games, its defense has allowed 193 yards per game and collected nine takeaways, while the offense has committed no giveaways. That is a strong opening record of limiting yardage and protecting possessions. It supports confidence in the Irish’s overall performance, although three games cannot establish that the same turnover results will continue against Purdue.