Notre Dame vs. Villanova Basketball Game Preview: Prediction, Betting Odds & 4 Prop Bets

Date: Sunday, November 1, 2026 Time: 9:30 AM ET | TV: FOX Location: Palazzo dello Sport — Rome, Italy Event: Eternal City Tip-Off Records: Notre Dame 0-0 | Villanova 0-0 Line: Villanova -7.5 | Over/Under: 147.5

Spread and total reflect the supplied lines. Player props below are proposed targets, not verified sportsbook offerings. College player props vary by sportsbook and jurisdiction; confirm availability, lines and prices.

Prediction & Matchup Preview

Notre Dame and Villanova open their seasons in Rome, renewing an old Big East rivalry on an international stage. The key question: can Notre Dame’s shooting overcome Villanova’s scoring talent?

Villanova is favored by 7.5 points, meaning the Wildcats must win by eight or more to cover. Notre Dame covers by winning outright or losing by seven or fewer.

Kevin Willard’s Wildcats enter with NCAA Tournament experience and expectations of competing near the top of the Big East. Micah Shrewsberry’s Irish seek improvement with a reworked rotation.

Notre Dame’s 71-63 exhibition victory over DePaul offered encouragement. The Irish made 12 of 30 three-pointers, while Brady Koehler and Braeden Smith combined for 36 points. Similar offensive balance would give Notre Dame a chance to stay close.

Villanova’s Advantage

Tyler Perkins and Devin Royal provide dependable scoring options. Against Virginia in Villanova’s exhibition finale, Royal contributed 21 points and seven rebounds, while Perkins scored 20.

However, Villanova lost 93-71, allowing 15 three-pointers and conceding a 19-7 advantage in points off turnovers.

Those weaknesses matter against Notre Dame’s perimeter threats. Villanova needs better ball security and sharper closeouts to prevent the Irish from finding an early rhythm.

Royal’s ability to attack inside could be especially valuable when outside shots are not falling.

Notre Dame’s Path to the Upset

Smith must organize possessions, limit mistakes and create quality opportunities for Notre Dame’s shooters.

Koehler’s ability to score away from the basket gives the Irish another option, while Braeden Shrewsberry can punish defensive breakdowns from three-point range.

Notre Dame also needs defensive rebounds. Giving Villanova repeated second chances would undermine the Irish’s efforts to control the pace and keep the margin manageable.

Four Prop Bets

Prop Bet #1: Tyler Perkins Over 14.5 Points — Proposed Line

DraftKings

4.5/5

Perkins Over 14.5 Points — Proposed

• 20 Points vs. Virginia
• Perimeter Scoring
• Target Line Only

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Perkins should carry substantial offensive responsibility in a competitive game. His 20-point exhibition performance against Virginia supports interest at this proposed threshold, although preseason samples are limited.

The target requires 15 points. A substantially higher posted line would weaken the appeal.

Prop Bet #2: Devin Royal Over 15.5 Points — Proposed Line

FanDuel

4.6/5

Royal Over 15.5 Points — Proposed

• 21 Points vs. Virginia
• Interior Scoring Threat
• Target Line Only

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Royal can challenge Notre Dame near the basket and attack openings off the dribble. His 21 points against Virginia showed his potential importance to Villanova’s offense.

This proposed over depends on consistent touches, efficient finishing and opportunities at the foul line. Notre Dame’s interior defense will test that outlook.

Prop Bet #3: Brady Koehler Over 10.5 Points — Proposed Line

Caesars

4.4/5

Koehler Over 10.5 Points — Proposed

• Versatile Offensive Role
• Perimeter Threat
• Target Line Only

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Koehler’s size and outside shooting give him multiple ways to contribute. His involvement against DePaul suggests Notre Dame can use him as more than a spot-up option.

Eleven points would clear this proposed threshold. His minutes and offensive involvement remain important, with foul trouble an obvious risk.

Prop Bet #4: Braeden Shrewsberry Over 1.5 Made Three-Pointers — Proposed Line

BetMGM

4.5/5

Shrewsberry Over 1.5 Threes — Proposed

• Established Perimeter Shooter
• Floor Spacing
• Target Line Only

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Shrewsberry’s shooting is central to Notre Dame’s ability to stretch the defense. Smith’s playmaking could create opportunities when Villanova sends help toward the ball.

This proposed prop requires two made three-pointers. It fits Notre Dame’s offensive approach, although shooting variance makes it unpredictable.

Players to Watch

Tyler Perkins — Villanova: A primary scorer who could decide the closing possessions.

Devin Royal — Villanova: An inside-out threat testing Notre Dame’s frontcourt.

Brady Koehler — Notre Dame: A versatile scorer who can create matchup problems.

Braeden Smith — Notre Dame: The organizer responsible for tempo and shot quality.

Braeden Shrewsberry — Notre Dame: A perimeter threat capable of changing momentum.

Keys to the Game

Notre Dame: Protect the basketball, create clean perimeter looks and finish defensive possessions with rebounds.

Villanova: Improve three-point coverage, limit turnovers and establish Royal inside.

Betting Prediction

Notre Dame +7.5 is the preferred spread lean. The Irish’s shooting provides a route to staying within two possessions, while Villanova’s exhibition defensive issues suggest vulnerability.

Under 147.5 is a narrower lean. Opening-game adjustments could disrupt offensive rhythm, but late fouling threatens a total close to the projected score.

The player overs depend on concentrated scoring; they are not four independent edges or an automatic parlay.

Verdict & Final Score

Villanova’s scoring talent earns the outright nod, but Notre Dame has enough perimeter offense to remain competitive.

Final Score: Villanova 75, Notre Dame 70.

Picks Summary: Notre Dame +7.5; lean Under 147.5. Proposed props: Perkins over 14.5 points, Royal over 15.5 points, Koehler over 10.5 points and Shrewsberry over 1.5 made threes.