Notre Dame vs. Purdue 2026: Predictions, Preview and What the Irish Need to Do to Win
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish return to the road this Saturday when they travel to West Lafayette to take on the Purdue Boilermakers on September 26, 2026. The game will be played at Ross-Ade Stadium as Notre Dame looks to continue its undefeated start to the season.
Notre Dame enters the matchup at 3-0 after opening the season with victories over Wisconsin, Rice and Michigan State. The Irish are ranked No. 3 nationally and have been particularly impressive on defense during the first three games of the season.
Purdue enters the game with a 1-2 record, but its record does not tell the entire story. The Boilermakers have shown that they can move the football and score points, making this a game Notre Dame cannot simply overlook.
The Irish have also dominated this series in recent years. Notre Dame has won 10 consecutive games against Purdue and owns a 61-26-2 advantage in the all-time series. The last meeting in West Lafayette came in 2024, when Notre Dame won 66-7.
Notre Dame vs. Purdue Game Preview
This game presents an interesting contrast between two teams that have performed very differently on opposite sides of the football.
Notre Dame has been built around a defense that has consistently made life difficult for opposing offenses. The Irish defense played a major role in the 27-10 victory over Michigan State, forcing two interceptions and holding the Spartans to limited production through the air.
Purdue, meanwhile, has been much more productive offensively than its 1-2 record might suggest. The Boilermakers are averaging nearly 40 points per game, but their defense has allowed more than 36 points per game through three contests. Purdue’s defense also surrendered 645 yards against UCLA.
That creates an important matchup. Notre Dame’s defense will be challenged by a Purdue offense that has demonstrated an ability to put points on the scoreboard, while the Irish offense will have an opportunity to attack a Boilermaker defense that has struggled to consistently stop opponents.
What to Expect From Notre Dame’s Offense
The Notre Dame offense has not necessarily needed to put up huge numbers during the first three games because the defense has been so effective.
That could change against Purdue.
The Boilermakers have had difficulty stopping the run, including giving up 369 rushing yards to UCLA. That could provide Notre Dame with an opportunity to establish the running game early and control the tempo.
Nolan James Jr. also enters the game after producing a strong performance against Michigan State. James rushed for 121 yards and a touchdown on 26 carries, giving the Irish another reason to believe the running game can continue to improve.
Quarterback CJ Carr should also have opportunities in the passing game. Notre Dame has developed multiple receiving options, including Jordan Faison and Micah Gilbert, giving Carr several targets capable of making plays downfield.
If the Irish can establish the run, they should be able to create favorable passing situations for Carr.
What Notre Dame Needs to Do to Win
1. Establish the Running Game
This could be one of the biggest keys to the afternoon.
Notre Dame does not need to abandon its passing attack, but an effective running game would allow the Irish to control the clock, keep Purdue’s offense on the sideline and make the Irish offense more difficult to defend.
James’ performance against Michigan State was encouraging, and Notre Dame will look for additional production from its running backs and offensive line.
2. Pressure Purdue Quarterback Ryan Browne
Purdue quarterback Ryan Browne has been productive through the air this season. He entered the week with 1,024 passing yards, seven touchdown passes and only one interception.
Notre Dame’s defensive front needs to make him uncomfortable.
If the Irish can generate pressure without consistently needing to blitz, Notre Dame can devote additional defenders to coverage and make Purdue work for every completion.
3. Prevent Explosive Plays
Purdue has demonstrated that it can score quickly, so Notre Dame cannot afford to relax simply because the Boilermakers have struggled defensively.
The Irish defense allowed Michigan State to hit a deep pass for a touchdown last week. Eliminating those types of plays will be important against Purdue.
Notre Dame’s defense has been excellent so far, but maintaining that consistency on the road will be important.
4. Take Advantage of Purdue’s Defensive Problems
Notre Dame should be aggressive when opportunities present themselves.
The Boilermakers have allowed significant yardage and points during the first three games of the season. If the Irish offense can avoid turnovers and sustain drives, Notre Dame should have opportunities to produce its highest-scoring performance since the opening weeks of the season.
A fast start could also force Purdue to abandon its preferred offensive approach and play from behind.
5. Win the Turnover Battle
Road games can change quickly when turnovers are involved.
Notre Dame has the defensive personnel to create takeaways, and Purdue’s offense will be facing one of its most difficult defensive challenges of the season.
The Irish should focus on playing disciplined football, protecting the football on offense and taking advantage of opportunities when Purdue puts the ball in danger.
Notre Dame vs. Purdue Prediction
On paper, Notre Dame has advantages on both sides of the football.
The Irish enter the game undefeated, ranked No. 3 nationally and coming off a convincing defensive performance against Michigan State. Purdue has shown considerable offensive ability, but its defense has struggled badly during the opening three games.
The biggest question for Notre Dame is whether the Irish offense can consistently capitalize on those defensive weaknesses.
I expect Notre Dame to make a strong effort to establish the running game early, which should open up opportunities for Carr and the passing attack. Purdue’s offense should be capable of producing some points, particularly at home, but Notre Dame’s defense should make it difficult for the Boilermakers to sustain drives throughout the game.
Prediction: Notre Dame 45, Purdue 20
I expect the game to be competitive early before Notre Dame’s defense and overall depth begin to take control. The Irish should be able to create enough pressure on Browne, limit Purdue’s rushing opportunities and take advantage of the Boilermakers’ defensive struggles.
A Notre Dame victory would move the Irish to 4-0 and give them another important road win before the schedule becomes more challenging.
Why This Game Matters for Notre Dame
Although Notre Dame is expected to be heavily favored, this is still an important game for the Irish.
The trip to Purdue represents another opportunity to demonstrate that Notre Dame can handle a road environment against a Big Ten opponent. It is also a chance for the offense to continue developing before the Irish travel to North Carolina the following week.
Notre Dame’s defense has already established itself as a major strength. If the offense can continue improving its consistency and the running game becomes a reliable part of the attack, the Irish will have another important piece of the team coming together.
The Purdue game could therefore be about more than simply adding another victory to the record. It could provide another indication of how much the Notre Dame offense has progressed during the opening month of the season.
Notre Dame vs. Purdue FAQ
When does Notre Dame play Purdue in 2026?
Notre Dame plays Purdue on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
Where is the Notre Dame vs. Purdue game being played?
The game will be played at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Indiana.
What time does Notre Dame vs. Purdue start?
Kickoff is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The game will be available on Peacock.
What is Notre Dame’s record entering the Purdue game?
Notre Dame enters the game with a 3-0 record after defeating Wisconsin, Rice and Michigan State.
What is Purdue’s record entering the game?
Purdue enters the matchup with a 1-2 record. The Boilermakers defeated Indiana State and lost to Wake Forest and UCLA.
When was the last time Notre Dame played Purdue?
The teams last met in 2025, when Notre Dame defeated Purdue 56-30. The previous meeting in West Lafayette was in 2024, when the Irish won 66-7.
Who has won the most games in the Notre Dame-Purdue series?
Notre Dame leads the all-time series 61-26-2 and has won the last 10 meetings between the schools.
What is the key to Notre Dame beating Purdue?
Notre Dame needs to establish the running game, pressure Purdue quarterback Ryan Browne, prevent explosive plays and take advantage of Purdue’s defensive struggles.
Can Purdue score against Notre Dame?
Purdue has demonstrated that it can score points this season, so Notre Dame cannot afford to overlook the Boilermakers’ offense. The Irish defense, however, has been highly effective through the first three games and will present Purdue with a much tougher challenge than it has faced in some of its previous games.
What is the Notre Dame vs. Purdue prediction?
My prediction is Notre Dame 45, Purdue 20. The Irish should have opportunities to score against Purdue’s defense, while Notre Dame’s defense could make it difficult for the Boilermakers to maintain their offensive production for four quarters.
Final Thoughts
Notre Dame enters West Lafayette with an undefeated record, a highly productive defense and plenty of momentum. Purdue has enough offensive talent to make the Irish work, but the Boilermakers’ defensive struggles could make this a difficult matchup for the home team.
For Notre Dame, the formula is straightforward: run the football effectively, protect the ball, pressure Browne and prevent big plays.
If the Irish can accomplish those things, they should have an excellent opportunity to leave Ross-Ade Stadium with another victory and a 4-0 record.