No. 3 Notre Dame at Purdue 2026 Preview: Prediction, Betting Odds & 4 Prop Bets

The No. 3 Notre Dame Fighting Irish make the short trip to West Lafayette on Saturday afternoon to renew their in-state rivalry with the Purdue Boilermakers and battle for the Shillelagh Trophy.

Notre Dame enters 3-0 after victories over Wisconsin, Rice and Michigan State. Purdue is 1-2 after opening with a win over Indiana State before dropping shootouts against Wake Forest and UCLA.

The Irish have been dominant defensively, while Purdue has shown it can score with almost anyone. That contrast makes this matchup more interesting than the massive point spread suggests.

Game Information

Matchup: No. 3 Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Purdue Boilermakers Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026 Time: 2:00 PM ET TV/Streaming: Peacock Location: Ross-Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, Indiana Tickets: As low as $91 Betting Line: Notre Dame -27.5 Over/Under: 57.5

Notre Dame won 66-7 the last time these teams met at Ross-Ade Stadium in 2024. Saturday’s meeting again has the Shillelagh Trophy at stake.

No. 3 Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Notre Dame has outscored its first three opponents 120-23.

The Irish beat Wisconsin 41-13 at Lambeau Field, crushed Rice 52-0 and defeated Michigan State 27-10. Against the Spartans, Notre Dame allowed only 40 total yards and zero rushing yards in the second half.

Quarterback CJ Carr continues to run an efficient offense. He threw for 239 yards and two touchdowns against Wisconsin before completing 16 of 20 passes for 253 yards and four touchdowns against Rice.

Notre Dame also discovered another major weapon against Michigan State.

Micah Gilbert exploded for eight receptions and a career-high 170 yards, including a 61-yard catch on Notre Dame’s first offensive play. Running back Nolan James Jr. added a career-high 121 rushing yards on 25 carries.

That balanced attack could present serious problems for Purdue.

Purdue Boilermakers

Purdue’s 1-2 record doesn’t tell the entire story.

The Boilermakers have scored 118 points through three games, including 36 against Wake Forest and 38 against UCLA. The problem has been stopping opponents.

Purdue surrendered 52 points and 645 total yards against UCLA, including 369 rushing yards.

Quarterback Ryan Browne has been outstanding despite the losses.

Browne threw for 378 yards and three touchdowns against UCLA, marking his third consecutive 300-yard passing game to begin the season. He has thrown for 1,024 yards through three games.

Receiver Xavier Townsend is coming off six catches for 162 yards and two touchdowns, while Asaad Waseem produced eight receptions for 149 yards against UCLA.

Running back Fame Ijeboi has also become a major scoring threat. His two touchdowns against UCLA gave him six rushing scores through three games.

4 Prop Bets

College football player props vary by sportsbook, so these are target numbers based on current production.

Prop Bet #1: Ryan Browne Over 299.5 Passing Yards

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Browne Over 299.5 Passing Yards

• 1,024 Yards Through 3 Games
• 3 Straight 300-Yard Games
• Purdue Likely Playing From Behind

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Browne has topped 300 passing yards in every game this season. A likely negative game script should keep Purdue throwing throughout the afternoon.

Prop Bet #2: Nolan James Jr. Over 74.5 Rushing Yards

FanDuel

4.6/5

Tip: James Over 74.5 Rushing Yards

• 121 Yards vs. Michigan State
• Purdue Allowed 369 Rush Yards to UCLA
• Notre Dame Favored by 27.5

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James is coming off his best collegiate performance, and Purdue’s run defense was overwhelmed by UCLA.

Prop Bet #3: Micah Gilbert Over 69.5 Receiving Yards

Caesars

4.4/5

Tip: Gilbert Over 69.5 Receiving Yards

• 170 Yards vs. Michigan State
• 251 Yards Through 3 Games
• 61-Yard Catch Last Week

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Gilbert’s breakout performance against Michigan State could signal a larger role in Notre Dame’s passing attack.

Prop Bet #4: Fame Ijeboi Anytime Touchdown

BetMGM

4.5/5

Tip: Ijeboi Anytime Touchdown

• 6 Rush TDs Through 3 Games
• 2 TDs vs. UCLA
• Purdue’s Top Goal-Line Option

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Ijeboi has consistently been Purdue’s preferred option around the goal line and has already scored six rushing touchdowns.

Players to Watch

Notre Dame

CJ Carr: His efficiency gives Notre Dame the ability to attack Purdue through the air if the Boilermakers focus on stopping the run.

Nolan James Jr.: Purdue’s problems defending the run make James one of the matchup’s biggest potential difference-makers.

Micah Gilbert: After 170 yards against Michigan State, Gilbert gives Carr another explosive downfield option.

Purdue

Ryan Browne: Purdue’s upset hopes depend heavily on Browne continuing his remarkable passing production.

Fame Ijeboi: His ability to finish drives gives Purdue a legitimate red-zone weapon.

Xavier Townsend: His 162-yard performance against UCLA showed his big-play ability.

Keys to the Game — Notre Dame

Run the Football: UCLA just rushed for 369 yards against Purdue. Notre Dame should test that weakness immediately.

Pressure Browne: Purdue’s quarterback has been outstanding when given time.

Avoid a Shootout: Notre Dame’s defense is its biggest advantage. Controlling the pace prevents Purdue from gaining confidence.

Keys to the Game — Purdue

Protect Browne: Purdue needs its passing game operating efficiently to keep pace.

Create Explosive Plays: Long completions to Townsend and Waseem could shorten the field.

Improve Against the Run: Allowing another opponent to dominate on the ground would make an upset nearly impossible.

Betting Prediction

The 27.5-point spread is enormous, particularly against a Purdue offense averaging more than 39 points per game.

But Notre Dame presents a completely different challenge.

The Irish have allowed just 23 points in three games and have enough offensive balance to exploit Purdue’s struggling defense.

Purdue should generate more offense than Rice or Michigan State, especially through Browne, but stopping Notre Dame is the much larger concern.

The Verdict

Expect Purdue to create several explosive passing plays and put more points on the board than Notre Dame’s recent opponents.

Eventually, however, Notre Dame’s offensive line and rushing attack should take control.

The Irish wear Purdue down and pull away during the second half, but Purdue’s passing attack does enough to keep the final margin below four touchdowns.

Final Score Prediction

No. 3 Notre Dame 45, Purdue 21

Best Bet: Over 57.5 Against the Spread: Purdue +27.5 Moneyline: Notre Dame Over/Under: Over 57.5

Top Prop Bets: Ryan Browne Over 299.5 Passing Yards; Nolan James Jr. Over 74.5 Rushing Yards; Micah Gilbert Over 69.5 Receiving Yards; Fame Ijeboi Anytime Touchdown.

Prediction: Notre Dame 45, Purdue 21