WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — One of college football’s historic in-state rivalries is ready for another chapter.
The No. 3 Notre Dame Fighting Irish travel to West Lafayette on Saturday, September 26, to face the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium in a matchup carrying history, pride and the Shillelagh Trophy.
Kickoff is officially scheduled for 2:00 p.m. ET, with the game streaming nationally on Peacock.
For Notre Dame, the objective is clear: handle business on the road and continue protecting its position among the highest-ranked teams in college football.
For Purdue, this is an opportunity to turn its season around with a statement victory against one of the biggest names in the sport.
NOTRE DAME vs. PURDUE — GAME INFORMATION
Matchup: No. 3 Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Purdue Boilermakers
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Kickoff: 2:00 p.m. ET
Location: Ross-Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, Indiana
Watch: Peacock
Trophy: Shillelagh Trophy
This will be the 90th all-time meeting between Notre Dame and Purdue, a series that dates all the way back to 1896. The programs have competed for the Shillelagh Trophy since 1957, adding another layer of tradition to a matchup already deeply connected to the history of college football in Indiana.
For Purdue, Saturday represents much more than another non-conference game.
The Boilermakers enter the matchup at 1–2 after a 52–38 road loss to UCLA. Despite the defeat, Purdue’s offense demonstrated its ability to generate explosive plays, with quarterback Ryan Browne throwing for a career-high 378 yards and three touchdowns.
Browne has emerged as one of the most interesting storylines surrounding Purdue. Through three games, he leads the Big Ten with 341.3 passing yards per game, while his ability to push the football downfield gives the Boilermakers a legitimate offensive weapon against Notre Dame.
Receivers Asaad Waseem and Xavier Townsend have also provided major production. Against UCLA, both surpassed 100 receiving yards, demonstrating the kind of explosive passing attack Purdue will likely need if it hopes to challenge the No. 3 team in the country.
But Notre Dame presents an entirely different challenge.
The Fighting Irish arrive in West Lafayette carrying the No. 3 national ranking, meaning Purdue will need to play disciplined football from the opening possession. Turnovers, penalties and missed opportunities become even more costly against an opponent with Notre Dame’s expectations.
The atmosphere could play an important role.
Ross-Ade Stadium should be filled with emotion as Purdue returns home following its road trip to UCLA. The Boilermakers have also developed a reputation for producing memorable performances against highly ranked opponents: Purdue notes that it has defeated seven ranked teams since 2018, including three victories over Top-3 opponents.
That history gives Saturday’s matchup another fascinating storyline.
Can Purdue’s passing attack create enough explosive plays to put pressure on Notre Dame?
Can the Boilermakers avoid giving the Fighting Irish short fields and extra possessions?
And can No. 3 Notre Dame silence Ross-Ade Stadium early and prevent Purdue from turning this rivalry game into another upset opportunity?
Those questions will begin receiving answers Saturday afternoon.
For Notre Dame, every game carries enormous weight when competing near the top of the national rankings.
For Purdue, defeating the No. 3 Fighting Irish would represent the kind of result capable of transforming the direction and energy of an entire season.
Two Indiana programs.
One historic rivalry.
One Shillelagh Trophy.
And a packed Ross-Ade Stadium waiting for another unforgettable afternoon of college football.
No. 3 Notre Dame vs. Purdue.
Saturday. 2:00 p.m. ET. West Lafayette.
The stage is officially set. ☘️🔥🏈
