Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs BYU Cougars prediction, odds and best bet for October 17, 2026
Notre Dame will beat BYU 27-20, with the Fighting Irish’s productive passing and rushing against Stanford supplying the strongest recent reason to favor them. Winning in Provo and covering a double-digit spread are different challenges, however. BYU brings a 5-0 record and No. 8 ranking into this matchup. Neither Notre Dame -10.5 (-110) nor the total of 47 offers a compelling wager.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs BYU Cougars prediction and best bet
Notre Dame is the pick to win, but the official betting recommendation is Pass. Its latest offensive performance gives the Fighting Irish a credible route to victory through both the running and passing games. The forecast is Notre Dame 27, BYU 20, with low confidence in the projected margin.
The distinction matters at Notre Dame -10.5 (-110). A convincing performance against Stanford helps explain the favorite’s appeal, but it is a limited guide to the margin against an unbeaten, ranked opponent on the road. BYU’s home setting and perfect start keep this from being a comfortable spread selection.
Odds, game time and how to watch
Game time: Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time and 5:30 p.m. Mountain Time.
Venue: LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah.
Broadcast: ABC.
Records and rankings: No. 2 Notre Dame is 6-0. No. 8 BYU is 5-0. Notre Dame’s active winning streak stands at 16 games.
SportsJaw odds: Notre Dame Fighting Irish -10.5 (-110); BYU Cougars +10.5 (-110). Moneyline: Notre Dame Fighting Irish -410; BYU Cougars +320. Total: Over 47.5 (-108); Under 47.5 (-112).