Purdue Football's Blowout Loss Shifts Focus to Basketball
AI-generated image · US National Wire
Notre Dame's dominant victory over the Boilermakers clears the way for Purdue to enter basketball season.
Notre Dame finished September with a perfect 4-0 record after a commanding 49-10 victory over Purdue on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, according to Sports Illustrated. The Fighting Irish established a 35-0 lead by halftime at Ross-Ade Stadium, a performance that Tom Noie of the South Bend Tribune noted sends the Boilermakers into basketball season.
Reporting from Sports Illustrated highlights a defensive struggle for Purdue, whose offense entered the game averaging 39 points per game but was held in check by Notre Dame. The Boilermakers' rushing attack was limited to 1.3 yards per carry, with a season-long run of only 10 yards. Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr led the offensive effort, recording 237 passing yards and three touchdowns, while adding a rushing score.
Despite the loss, Purdue's defense had previously struggled, allowing 369 rushing yards to UCLA the week prior, as reported by Sports Illustrated. Notre Dame capitalized on this, rushing for 177 yards on the day, including a 22-yard touchdown run by Aneyas Williams and a 44-yard run by freshman Jonaz Walton.