🏈 How to Watch the Game: Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. BYU Cougars — Time, TV Channel, Streaming Info, and Everything You Need to Know
One of the biggest college football matchups of the 2026 season is set for Saturday night as the No. 2 Notre Dame Fighting Irish travel to Provo, Utah, to face the No. 8 BYU Cougars in a highly anticipated top-10 showdown.
Both teams enter the contest undefeated, making this primetime battle one of the most important games of Week 7. With national rankings, College Football Playoff aspirations, and perfect records on the line, fans can expect an electric atmosphere at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
Whether you’re a lifelong Fighting Irish supporter, a passionate BYU fan, or simply looking for an exciting college football game to watch, here’s everything you need to know about Notre Dame vs. BYU, including kickoff time, TV channel, live streaming options, and key storylines.
Notre Dame vs. BYU: Game Details
Notre Dame
No. 2 · 6–0
VS
BYU Cougars
No. 8 · 5–0
| Date | Saturday, October 17, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 7:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. MT |
| TV Channel | ABC |
| Live Stream | ESPN App, ESPN Unlimited, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, DIRECTV |
| Location | LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, Utah |
| Matchup | Non-conference college football |
Kickoff and ABC coverage confirmed by BYU Athletics. Streaming access depends on subscription and location.
What Time Does Notre Dame vs. BYU Start?
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish will face the BYU Cougars on Saturday, October 17, 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
For viewers across the United States, the game begins at:
-
Eastern Time (ET): 7:30 p.m.
-
Central Time (CT): 6:30 p.m.
-
Mountain Time (MT): 5:30 p.m.
-
Pacific Time (PT): 4:30 p.m.
The game will take place at LaVell Edwards Stadium, where BYU will host one of the highest-ranked opponents to visit Provo in more than two decades.
The primetime kickoff provides a national spotlight for two undefeated programs looking to strengthen their postseason résumés.
What TV Channel Is Notre Dame vs. BYU On?
The Notre Dame vs. BYU game will be broadcast nationally on ABC, making it available to millions of college football fans across the United States.
ABC’s Saturday Night Football coverage will feature this highly anticipated matchup between two nationally ranked teams.
Fans with a traditional cable or satellite television package that includes their local ABC affiliate can watch the game live.
Viewers may also be able to receive ABC free over the air using a compatible television antenna, depending on local reception.
Unlike Notre Dame’s home games, which are traditionally televised by NBC, this road contest falls under the broadcasting arrangements associated with BYU’s Big 12 membership.
How to Live Stream Notre Dame vs. BYU Without Cable
Fans who don’t have a traditional cable subscription still have several ways to watch the game online.
1. ESPN App / ESPN Unlimited
The ESPN platform offers access to eligible ABC college football broadcasts. Fans can check their ESPN subscription or participating TV provider credentials to determine access.
2. YouTube TV
YouTube TV carries ABC in supported markets, allowing subscribers to watch the game live on smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs.
3. Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV subscribers can access live ABC programming where the local affiliate is included in their plan.
4. Fubo
Fubo is another potential option for streaming the game through a participating ABC affiliate. Channel availability varies by region and package.
5. DIRECTV
DIRECTV subscribers with access to ABC can watch the nationally televised matchup through their supported television or streaming service.
Streaming subscriptions, geographic restrictions, and channel availability may apply. Fans should confirm access before kickoff.
Why Notre Dame vs. BYU Is One of the Biggest Games of Week 7
This isn’t just another regular-season college football matchup.
Notre Dame enters the game with a perfect 6–0 record and the No. 2 ranking in the AP Top 25, while BYU stands at 5–0 and No. 8 nationally.
Both teams have demonstrated impressive consistency throughout the season, setting up a meeting with significant implications for the national championship race.
For Notre Dame, a road victory against a top-10 opponent would further strengthen its College Football Playoff credentials.
For BYU, defeating the Fighting Irish would represent a signature win and could dramatically improve its national standing.
The game also marks the first time LaVell Edwards Stadium has hosted a matchup between two top-10 teams, adding another layer of historical significance.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish: Looking to Stay Unbeaten
Notre Dame has been one of the most impressive teams in college football during the opening half of the 2026 season.
The Fighting Irish improved to 6–0 following a dominant 58–7 victory over Stanford, showcasing an explosive offense and a defense capable of shutting down opposing attacks.
Quarterback CJ Carr has helped guide Notre Dame’s offense, while running back Jonaz Walton delivered an outstanding performance against Stanford, rushing for 181 yards.
Notre Dame’s ability to establish the running game, protect the football, and generate explosive plays will be crucial against BYU.
Playing in Provo presents a different challenge, particularly against a Cougars team that has shown it can compete with high-level opponents.
The Fighting Irish will need to maintain their discipline and avoid giving BYU opportunities to build momentum in front of its home crowd.
BYU Cougars: A Major Opportunity on Home Turf
BYU enters Saturday’s matchup with an undefeated 5–0 record and plenty of confidence.
The Cougars are coming off a 24–10 victory over Iowa State, a performance that demonstrated their ability to control games through physical football and strong defensive execution.
Quarterback Bear Bachmeier is an important player to watch. His ability to contribute both through the air and on the ground gives BYU additional offensive flexibility.
The Cougars will also rely on their defensive unit to slow down Notre Dame’s productive offense.
Playing at LaVell Edwards Stadium could provide a significant advantage. The stadium is expected to deliver an intense atmosphere for one of the biggest home games in BYU football history.
A victory over the No. 2 Fighting Irish would be a defining moment for the Cougars’ 2026 campaign.
ESPN College GameDay Is Coming to Provo
Adding to the excitement, ESPN’s College GameDay will broadcast live from BYU’s campus on Saturday morning.
The popular college football pregame show will air from 9:00 a.m. to noon Eastern Time, or 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Mountain Time.
Fans can watch College GameDay on ESPN and supported streaming platforms.
This marks the show’s second visit to Provo, with its previous appearance coming in October 2009.
The national attention highlights the significance of the Notre Dame-BYU matchup and gives fans an opportunity to experience the excitement well before kickoff.
Notre Dame vs. BYU: Head-to-Head History
Notre Dame and BYU have met nine times entering the 2026 matchup, with the Fighting Irish holding a 7–2 advantage in the on-field series.
Their most recent meeting took place in 2022, when Notre Dame defeated BYU 28–20 in Las Vegas as part of the Shamrock Series.
However, BYU has enjoyed success against Notre Dame in Provo before.
In 2004, the Cougars earned a memorable 20–17 victory over the Fighting Irish at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
Saturday’s game will be Notre Dame’s first trip to Provo since that 2004 contest, making this meeting particularly meaningful for both programs.
Key Storylines to Watch
1. Two Undefeated Teams Collide
With Notre Dame at 6–0 and BYU at 5–0, one team’s perfect season will come to an end Saturday night.
2. College Football Playoff Implications
A victory would significantly strengthen either team’s postseason résumé, particularly with the regular season entering its second half.
3. Notre Dame’s Offense vs. BYU’s Defense
The Fighting Irish have demonstrated explosive scoring ability, while BYU will attempt to control the pace and limit big plays.
4. The LaVell Edwards Stadium Atmosphere
A nationally televised primetime matchup featuring two top-10 teams should create one of the most memorable atmospheres of BYU’s season.
5. The Quarterback Battle
CJ Carr and Bear Bachmeier will be central figures in the contest. Their decision-making, accuracy, and ability to handle defensive pressure could determine the outcome.
Where Is Notre Dame vs. BYU Being Played?
The matchup will take place at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah.
Located near the scenic Wasatch Mountains, the stadium is one of college football’s distinctive venues.
BYU fans are known for creating an energetic home-field atmosphere, especially during high-profile games.
With Notre Dame visiting for the first time in more than two decades, Saturday’s showdown is expected to be a special occasion for the university and its supporters.
Notre Dame vs. BYU: Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Notre Dame vs. BYU start?
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
What channel is Notre Dame vs. BYU on?
The game will be televised nationally on ABC.
Can I watch Notre Dame vs. BYU without cable?
Yes. Viewers in supported markets can use streaming services carrying ABC, including YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, and DIRECTV. Eligible ESPN streaming access may also be available.
Where is Notre Dame vs. BYU being played?
The game will take place at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah.
Are Notre Dame and BYU undefeated?
Yes. Notre Dame enters the game at 6–0, while BYU is 5–0.
Is ESPN College GameDay covering the game?
Yes. College GameDay will broadcast from BYU’s campus on Saturday morning.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss Notre Dame vs. BYU
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. BYU Cougars matchup has all the ingredients of a college football classic.
Two undefeated top-10 teams, a nationally televised primetime stage, and major College Football Playoff implications make this one of the must-watch games of the 2026 season.
Notre Dame will look to protect its perfect record and reinforce its position among the nation’s elite programs. Meanwhile, BYU has a golden opportunity to secure a statement victory in front of its home fans.
Whether you’re watching on ABC or streaming the action online, Saturday night’s showdown promises high stakes, intense competition, and plenty of excitement.
Don’t miss kickoff on Saturday, October 17, at 7:30 p.m. ET, live on ABC.
For official updates, visit Notre Dame Athletics or BYU Athletics.
SEO Metadata
SEO Title: Notre Dame vs. BYU 2026: Game Time, TV Channel & Live Stream
Meta Description: Find out how to watch Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. BYU Cougars on October 17, 2026. Get kickoff time, ABC TV coverage, live streaming options, and game preview.
Focus Keywords: Notre Dame vs BYU, Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs BYU Cougars, Notre Dame BYU game time, Notre Dame vs BYU TV channel, Notre Dame BYU live stream, college football Week 7 2026.
Suggested URL Slug: notre-dame-vs-byu-2026-time-tv-channel-live-stream
Game schedule and matchup details:
