Wisconsin badgers football vs notre dame fighting irish football match player stats

As of 26 September 2026, the most recent high-profile meeting between the Wisconsin Badgers and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish remains their September 2021 clash at Soldier Field. While the two programs have not faced each other in the 2026 season, analysts continue to reference the statistical outcomes of that encounter to evaluate current roster depth and historical performance trends. In that matchup, Notre Dame secured a 41-13 victory, largely fueled by a late-game defensive surge. Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz struggled significantly, throwing four interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns by Notre Dame’s Jack Kiser and Drew White. Notre Dame’s Chris Tyree also made a pivotal impact with a 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. These specific player statistics remain a benchmark for how both programs assess their offensive efficiency and turnover management when facing elite non-conference opponents. As both teams navigate their respective 2026 schedules, the legacy of these individual performances continues to serve as a cautionary tale for coaching staffs regarding ball security and explosive play prevention in high-stakes intersectional games.