Notre Dame beat No. 1 Miami. Why BYU may be the biggest winner
Notre Dame knocked off No. 1 Miami and soared in the CFP rankings. Somehow, BYU cashed in on the Irish’s biggest win, too.
Notre Dame’s victory over Miami, a team widely regarded as the current No. 1 in college football, has sent shockwaves through the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings, with Utah State emerging as a potential beneficiary. The Irish's win not only salvaged their season but also provided BYU a lifeline, preventing a significant drop in their ranking.
CFP chairman Hunter Yurachek praised BYU, stating that this win against a top-ranked opponent is a "feather in the cap" for the Cougars. Notre Dame, which debuted at No. 11 in the 2026 CFP rankings, has surged to No. 5 following their 31-24 triumph over Miami. The Fighting Irish dominated the game, controlling the clock for most of the contest and leading by double digits for a significant portion of the match.
Despite playing without several key players, including defensive starters and star wide receiver Malachi Toney, Notre Dame showcased their resilience and talent. Coach Skip Holtz, echoing sentiments of many analysts, believes the Irish are capable of winning a national championship. This CFP selection reflects a shift in perception, where Miami's recent losses and Notre Dame's strong showing against a top-ranked team have redefined the landscape of college football rankings.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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