Notre Dame Dominates Wisconsin at Lambeau Field in Season Opener

On September 6, 2026, the No. 4 Notre Dame Fighting Irish opened their season with a 41-13 victory over unranked Wisconsin at Lambeau Field. The Irish led 13-10 at halftime and outscored the Badgers 28-3 in the second half, scoring on each of their three second-half possessions. Quarterback CJ Carr finished 19-of-29 for 239 yards and two touchdowns; running back Aneyas Williams rushed for 90 yards and two scores; and cornerback D.J. McKinney returned an interception 55 yards for a defensive touchdown.

QB CJ Carr Shows Poise, Maturity in Notre Dame’s Win Over Wisconsin

The game was the first college football contest ever played at the Packers’ home stadium. Notre Dame entered ranked No. 4 after a playoff snub the previous season, while Wisconsin, coming off two losing seasons, was a three-touchdown underdog. Both programs highlighted the historic venue, with Notre Dame fans traveling from South Bend and Wisconsin players noting the unique Green Bay experience.

ESPN

• Total yards: Notre Dame 352, Wisconsin 311.

2nd half effort, costly pick six lead Notre Dame to blowout win over Badgers

• Rushing: Notre Dame 111 yards on 32 carries; Wisconsin 90 yards on 24 carries.

CBS Sports

• Passing: CJ Carr 19-of-29, 239 yards, 2 TDs; Wisconsin QB Colton Joseph 19-of-30, 217 yards, 1 TD.

QB CJ Carr Shows Poise, Maturity in Notre Dame’s Win Over Wisconsin

• Turnovers: Notre Dame forced two, including McKinney’s pick-six; Wisconsin had one (kickoff fumble).

ESPN

• Special teams: Spencer Porath (Notre Dame) hit field goals of 52 and 26 yards; Wisconsin’s blocked punt set up its opening field goal.

Chicago Tribune

Coach Marcus Freeman credited the players for executing the revised game plan and noted the mental boost from a decisive win. He also addressed the running-back committee approach, saying replacing first-round NFL draftees would require “a committee” to keep backs fresh.

ESPN

Fans described the atmosphere as “awe-inspiring” and “epic,” with Notre Dame supporters emphasizing the historic significance of playing at Lambeau Field. Wisconsin fans expressed optimism about the venue but recognized the Irish’s advantage.

WLUK - Fox 11

• Injury status: Junior linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa was ruled out an hour before kickoff. Other reports said safety Brauntae Johnson and defensive lineman Jason Onye left with lower-leg injuries, with no post-game updates.

Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa Ruled Out for Notre Dame’s Opener Against Wisconsin

• Rushing totals: Some outlets listed Notre Dame’s total rushing yards as 111, while others highlighted Williams’ 90 yards in the second half without a full-game figure.

CBS Sports

• Quarterback performance: CBS Sports noted Carr’s 19-of-29 passing line, whereas USA Today focused on a 3-for-6 first-half completion rate, creating a minor discrepancy in early-game efficiency reporting.

QB CJ Carr Shows Poise, Maturity in Notre Dame’s Win Over Wisconsin

• “Sometimes, you don't believe it till you're in it,” — Marcus Freeman, head coach

ESPN

• “The results showed that we wanted a fight, and that's what we got," Carr said.” — CJ Carr

ESPN

• “I just told the team, I’m proud of them,” — Marcus Freeman

Heavy

Notre Dame’s next game is at Rice, while Wisconsin returns home to host Western Illinois. Both teams will look to address injuries and performance issues highlighted in the opener as the season progresses.

Heavy