UNC football vs. Notre Dame game info, streaming, betting

Aidan Jensen, Tar Heels WireFri, October 2, 2026 at 12:17 AM UTC

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A rainy, early-fall afternoon will be the focus of college football on Saturday, as your North Carolina Tar Heels host Notre Dame for a 12 p.m. kickoff on national television.

UNC's (2-1, 0-1 ACC) defense ranks amongst the country's top units, but failed late during its collapse in a 28-20 loss at Clemson. North Carolina has playmakers on its offense, but they also struggled against the Tigers (3-1, 2-0 ACC), whose defense engineered a complete 180 from the first half.

The Tar Heels upset TCU in Week Zero, but the undefeated Fighting Irish (4-0) present a much-tougher test. Notre Dame has a Heisman Trophy-caliber quarterback in CJ Carr, a deeper running back room anchored by Aeneas Williams and a tough, one-two punch at wide receiver in Micah Gilbert and Jordan Faison.

The Fighting Irish make a name with their defense, though. Notre Dame allows just 199.3 yards per game to opponents, which leads the FBS, plus 8.3 points per game (second behind Iowa). Wisconsin scored 13 points against the Fighting Irish in Week One, the highest total amongst a 2026 opponent, so UNC has its work cut out.

North Carolina's offense is much-improved from 2025, in part thanks to Bobby Petrino's playcalling. The Tar Heels now have a big-play ability and Billy Edwards looks more comfortable at quarterback than Gio Lopez, but consistency is still a work in progress.

Can UNC deliver another early-season upset and shock the college football world? Keep reading below for our game preview, which includes North Carolina's key to victory, something to watch, odds, statistical leaders and a season schedule.

Key to Victory

Be aggressive and strategic on offense.

Notre Dame isn't just any typical opponent, but instead a National Championship contender. If you're the Fighting Irish, you're drooling over Saturday's matchup.

The Tar Heels struggled in the second half offensively at Clemson, while Notre Dame has the country's best defense. UNC failed to play its aggressive, run-heavy offense late in Death Valley, which played a big part in the Tigers coming back.

North Carolina will struggle offensively vs. the Fighting Irish, but hopefully only for a couple moments. The Tar Heels know how to play aggressive on offense and, if they do on Saturday, they can keep it close and possibly beat Notre Dame.

Something to Watch

If UNC can get to the quarterback.

Notre Dame excels in pass protection, only allowing two sacks through four games. North Carolina is one of college football's best programs in getting to the quarterback, generating 10 sacks through three games.

Whether it's Xavier Lewis, Leroy Jackson, Jaylen Harvey, Melkart Abou-Jaoude or someone else, the Tar Heels have to get to CJ Carr on Saturday for a chance to win.

Statistical Leaders

Passing

UNC: Billy Edwards Jr. 44/78, 611 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT

Notre Dame: CJ Carr 67/95, 963 yards, 9 TD, 1 INT

Rushing

UNC: Benjamin Hall 33 carries, 215 yards

Notre Dame: Aneyas Williams 52 carries, 224 yards, 4 TD

Receiving

UNC: Jelani Thurman 11 receptions, 183 yards, 1 TD

Notre Dame: Micah Gilbert 15 receptions, 334 yards, 2 TD

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What you

WHAT? North Carolina Tar Heels (2-1, 0-1 ACC) vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (4-0)

WHEN? Saturday, October 3 at 12 p.m. ET

WHERE? Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.

TV?ESPN

RADIO?SiriusXM (85 for UNC broadcast, 129 for Notre Dame broadcast)

WEATHER? 76 degrees, rain showers

LINE? Notre Dame -21.5

LAST MEETING? Notre Dame 45, UNC 32 on September 24, 2022 in Kenan Stadium

ALL-TIME SERIES? Notre Dame leads, 21-1

PREDICTION? Notre Dame 27, UNC 16

UNC Football 2026 schedule

August 29: vs. TCU in Dublin, Ireland (W, 15-10)

September 12: vs. ETSU (W, 35-3)

Sept. 19: at Clemson (L, 28-20

October 3: vs. Notre Dame (12 p.m.)

Oct. 10: at Pitt (12 p.m.)

Oct. 17: at Duke

Oct. 24: vs. Syracuse

Oct. 31: vs. Miami (FL)

November 7: at UConn

Nov. 14: vs. Louisville

Nov. 21: at Virginia

Nov. 28: vs. NC State

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