# Notre Dame defeats North Carolina 37-26

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/north-carolina-and-notre-dame-football-matchup
> Updated: 2026-10-03T19:27:59.000Z. Sources: 31. Developments: 6.

The No. 3 Notre Dame Fighting Irish defeated the North Carolina Tar Heels 37-26 in a rainy matchup at Kenan Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 3.

Despite North Carolina briefly taking a 21-20 lead in the second half following a 98-yard kickoff return touchdown by freshman Jaden Jefferson, Notre Dame regained control. The Fighting Irish secured the victory behind a strong ground game that recorded a season-high 241 rushing yards. Quarterback CJ Carr led the offense, completing 21 of 29 passes for 234 yards and accounting for five total touchdowns, throwing for four and rushing for one.

Key contributors for Notre Dame included running back Jonaz Walton, who rushed for 120 yards, and wide receiver Jordan Faison, who recorded 132 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

North Carolina, coached by Bill Belichick, struggled to maintain momentum late in the contest, managing only 89 total yards in the second half. While quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. threw for three touchdowns, including connections to Shamar Easter and Jelani Thurman, his performance was also marked by two interceptions. Wide receiver Jordan Shipp recorded 109 receiving yards for the Tar Heels.

With this win, Notre Dame improves to 5-0, marking their 15th consecutive victory and strengthening their position in the College Football Playoff conversation. Looking ahead to Week 6, Notre Dame is scheduled to host Stanford.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-03: Notre Dame defeats North Carolina 37-26 in rainy matchup

No. 3 Notre Dame defeated North Carolina 37-26 in rainy conditions, led by CJ Carr’s five total touchdowns and a dominant second-half rushing attack.

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/notre-dame-defeats-north-carolina-37-26

### 2026-10-03: Notre Dame to face North Carolina in college football matchup

No. 3 Notre Dame faces the North Carolina Tar Heels in a college football matchup on October 3, 2026, at Kenan Stadium.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/notre-dame-to-face-north-carolina-in-college-football-matchup

### 2026-10-03: Notre Dame to host Stanford in Week 6 matchup

No. 3 Notre Dame prepares to host Stanford in Week 6, featuring a top-ranked Irish defense against a Stanford team currently holding a 2-3 record.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/notre-dame-to-host-stanford-in-week-6-matchup

### 2026-10-01: Notre Dame faces North Carolina in high-stakes college football matchup

No. 3 Notre Dame travels to Chapel Hill to face North Carolina this Saturday. The undefeated Irish face a Tar Heels squad led by Bill Belichick in a high-stakes Week 5 college football matchup.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/unc-football-prepares-for-notre-dame-matchup-amid-quarterback-scrutiny

### 2026-09-27: Notre Dame visits North Carolina for high-stakes matchup

No. 3 Notre Dame visits North Carolina at Kenan Stadium this Saturday, with the Fighting Irish entering as significant favorites against the Tar Heels.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/notre-dame-visits-north-carolina-as-heavy-favorites

### 2026-09-26: North Carolina football to face Notre Dame in noon kickoff

North Carolina football faces No. 3 Notre Dame in a noon kickoff on Oct. 3, while UNC athletic teams see mixed results in soccer, volleyball, and field hockey.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/duke-womens-soccer-draws-1-1-with-no-15-notre-dame

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Cite as: Notre Dame defeats North Carolina 37-26. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/north-carolina-and-notre-dame-football-matchup