Notre Dame Defeats North Carolina 37-26 in Rainy Chapel Hill Battle
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish remained undefeated Saturday afternoon, overcoming a strong challenge from the North Carolina Tar Heels to earn a 37-26 victory at a rain-soaked Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill.
The third-ranked Fighting Irish improved to 5-0 with the win and extended their winning streak to 15 consecutive games. While North Carolina made things uncomfortable for much of the afternoon, Notre Dame’s offense and running game took control after halftime and allowed the Irish to pull away.
The victory also showed Notre Dame’s ability to win a different kind of game. With steady rain making passing conditions difficult, the Irish relied heavily on their offensive line and running backs in the second half.
CJ Carr Leads Notre Dame With Five Total Touchdowns
Quarterback CJ Carr was the biggest offensive difference-maker for Notre Dame.
Carr completed 21 of 29 passes for 234 yards and four touchdowns without throwing an interception. He also added a rushing touchdown, giving him five total touchdowns for the afternoon.
Carr connected with Jordan Faison for two touchdowns, including scoring passes of 28 and 39 yards. He also found Jaden Greathouse for a 12-yard touchdown and Nolan James Jr. for a 6-yard score.
His most important contribution, however, may have come on the ground.
After North Carolina cut Notre Dame’s lead to 21-20 early in the third quarter, Carr helped lead a 17-play, 75-yard drive that lasted more than nine minutes. The drive featured a physical rushing attack and ended with Carr running for a touchdown on fourth down.
That drive allowed Notre Dame to regain control of the game.
Jordan Faison Has a Career Day
Wide receiver Jordan Faison was another major factor in the victory.
Faison caught eight passes for 132 yards and two touchdowns. His first touchdown came on a 28-yard reception that tied the game at 7-7. He later made a 39-yard touchdown catch that extended Notre Dame’s lead to 21-7.
Faison repeatedly gave Carr a reliable target despite the wet conditions and helped Notre Dame establish separation from the Tar Heels.
His eight receptions and 132 receiving yards made him one of the most productive players on the field.
Notre Dame’s Running Game Takes Over
The biggest development for the Irish may have been the performance of the running game.
Notre Dame rushed for a season-best 241 yards, with freshman Jonaz Walton leading the way. Walton carried the ball 23 times for 120 yards, giving the Irish a physical presence that became increasingly important as the rain continued to fall.
Walton was particularly effective during the third quarter. He carried the ball 12 times for 61 yards during the period as Notre Dame controlled the clock and kept the Tar Heels’ offense on the sideline.
Nolan James Jr. also made an important contribution. James rushed for 65 yards on nine carries and caught a 6-yard touchdown pass from Carr early in the fourth quarter.
Aneyas Williams added 42 rushing yards on eight carries.
The Irish offensive line deserves considerable credit as well. Notre Dame was able to consistently create running lanes and maintain its physical advantage even though North Carolina knew the Irish wanted to run the football.
Defense Creates Crucial Turnovers
Notre Dame’s defense had some problems containing North Carolina’s passing game, but it made several plays that changed the momentum.
Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa intercepted Billy Edwards Jr. in the first quarter after Boubacar Traore pressured the North Carolina quarterback.
Luke Talich then picked off Edwards on the Tar Heels’ next possession.
Those turnovers helped Notre Dame quickly turn a 7-7 game into a 21-7 advantage.
North Carolina quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. finished with 208 passing yards and three touchdowns, but his two interceptions were costly.
The Irish defense also did an excellent job against the Tar Heels’ rushing attack. North Carolina managed only 77 rushing yards on 23 attempts.
Boubacar Traore was particularly active, finishing with six tackles, one tackle for loss and four quarterback hurries.
North Carolina Makes a Serious Second-Half Challenge
Notre Dame appeared to be in control when it took a 21-7 lead, but North Carolina refused to go away.
The Tar Heels put together a 15-play, 97-yard touchdown drive just before halftime to cut the Notre Dame advantage to 21-14.
North Carolina then produced an even bigger momentum swing to start the second half.
Jaden Jefferson returned the opening kickoff of the second half 98 yards for a touchdown, bringing the Tar Heels within 21-20.
Suddenly, a game that appeared to be leaning heavily toward Notre Dame was a one-point contest.
The Irish responded exactly as they needed to.
Notre Dame Answers With a Physical Second Half
Rather than becoming dependent on the passing game, Notre Dame leaned into its running attack.
The Irish responded to the kickoff return with a 17-play, 75-yard touchdown drive. Notre Dame converted two fourth downs during the possession and repeatedly moved the ball on the ground.
Carr eventually finished the drive with a 3-yard touchdown run.
Notre Dame then continued to wear down the Tar Heel defense. James Jr.’s 6-yard touchdown reception pushed the Irish advantage to 34-20 early in the fourth quarter.
Spencer Porath later added a 31-yard field goal to make it 37-20.
North Carolina scored again late when Edwards connected with Jelani Thurman for a 10-yard touchdown, but by then the Irish had established enough control to close out the victory.
Notre Dame Controls the Clock
One of the most impressive parts of Notre Dame’s performance was its ability to control possession.
The Irish held the football for 37:04 compared with 22:56 for North Carolina. Notre Dame also ran 74 offensive plays to just 51 for the Tar Heels.
That difference became particularly important in the second half.
Once Notre Dame established its running game, North Carolina had fewer opportunities to get its offense back onto the field. The Irish finished with 475 total yards compared with 285 for the Tar Heels.
Notre Dame also avoided turnovers entirely.
What the Win Means for Notre Dame
This was not Notre Dame’s cleanest performance of the season, but it may have been one of its more valuable victories.
The Irish entered the game having dominated their opponents defensively, but North Carolina presented a different challenge. The rain affected the passing game, the Tar Heels generated several explosive plays and Notre Dame had to respond after seeing a 21-7 advantage shrink to 21-20.
Instead of panicking, Notre Dame became more physical.
The offensive line, Walton, James and Carr helped the Irish establish control on the ground, while the defense eventually did enough to prevent North Carolina from completing its comeback.
For Marcus Freeman’s team, that ability to adjust could become increasingly important as the schedule gets tougher.
Notre Dame is now 5-0 and has won 15 consecutive games, with every victory during that streak coming by double digits.
Final Thoughts
Notre Dame’s 37-26 victory over North Carolina was a test of toughness as much as talent.
CJ Carr delivered five total touchdowns. Jordan Faison produced a huge receiving performance. Jonaz Walton led a powerful rushing attack, and Nolan James Jr. provided another important spark.
The defense also came through with two interceptions and held North Carolina to just 77 rushing yards.
Most importantly, Notre Dame responded when the game became uncomfortable.
After North Carolina pulled within one point early in the second half, the Irish answered with their most physical football of the afternoon. That response ultimately turned a potential upset scare into another double-digit Notre Dame victory.
The Fighting Irish return to South Bend next Saturday to face Stanford as they look to remain undefeated.
Check out the game highlights:
Notre Dame vs. North Carolina FAQ
What was the final score of Notre Dame vs. North Carolina?
Notre Dame defeated North Carolina 37-26 on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill.
What is Notre Dame’s record after beating North Carolina?
The Fighting Irish improved to 5-0 with the victory.
How many touchdowns did CJ Carr score?
CJ Carr accounted for five Notre Dame touchdowns. He threw four touchdown passes and ran for another touchdown.
How did CJ Carr perform against North Carolina?
Carr completed 21 of 29 passes for 234 yards and four touchdowns without an interception. He also scored a rushing touchdown.
Who was Notre Dame’s leading receiver?
Jordan Faison led the Irish with eight receptions for 132 yards and two touchdowns.
Who led Notre Dame in rushing?
Freshman Jonaz Walton led the Irish with 120 rushing yards on 23 carries.
How many rushing yards did Notre Dame have?
Notre Dame rushed for 241 yards, its best rushing performance of the season.
What did Nolan James Jr. contribute?
James rushed for 65 yards on nine carries and caught a 6-yard touchdown pass from Carr early in the fourth quarter.
How did Notre Dame’s defense perform?
The Irish defense forced two interceptions and held North Carolina to only 77 rushing yards. Boubacar Traore had six tackles, one tackle for loss and four quarterback hurries.
What happened after North Carolina cut the lead to 21-20?
Notre Dame responded with a long, physical 17-play, 75-yard touchdown drive. Carr finished the possession with a fourth-down rushing touchdown, and the Irish went on to score 16 consecutive points before North Carolina’s late touchdown.
What is Notre Dame’s next game?
Notre Dame returns home to face Stanford on October 10, 2026.
