Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrate Wisconsin win the Packers way

Riley Leonard and the No. 4 Notre Dame Fighting Irish kicked off the 2026 season in dominant fashion, taking down the Wisconsin Badgers in a 41-13 victory on Sunday night.

Notre Dame seeks this campaign to be a redemption year. Recently finishing as the national runners-up behind Ohio State in 2024, the Fighting Irish declined bowl participation the following year after failing to make the College Football Playoff.

Notre Dame stands out as a fierce contender for the CFP this season, standing out as an elite squad in the nation. They proved that after torching Wisconsin in the home opener. To commemorate the win, the players jumped up to the stands to join fans in the celebrations, similar to how the NFL’s Green Bay Packers do it.

“Lambeau Leap: Notre Dame’s version. It’s good to be 1-0,” reporter Jack Soble wrote.

Lambeau Leap: Notre Dame’s version.

It’s good to be 1-0. pic.twitter.com/FdS7iugaA6

— Jack Soble (@jacksoble56) September 7, 2026

How Notre Dame played against Wisconsin

No. 4 Notre Dame started its 2026 campaign on the right foot. They seem to be of strong quality after beating down Wisconsin in the 28-point victory.

The game started out as competitive, seeing the Badgers trade blows with the Fighting Irish. Then the second half arrived as the hosts took full control, outscoring Wisconsin 28-3 in the last 30 minutes of regulation.

CJ Carr had a solid night leading the Notre Dame attack at quarterback. He completed 19 out of 29 passes for 239 yards and two touchdowns.

Aneyas Williams was the standalone star in the run game for this matchup. He racked up 20 of the team’s 32 carries for 90 yards and two touchdowns. As for the receiving corps, Jordan Faison caught four passes for 81 yards. Meanwhile, Nolan James Jr. and James Flanigan were the players to catch touchdown passes from Carr.

The No. 4 Fighting Irish will look forward to their next matchup, remaining at home. They host the Rice Owls in Week 2 on Sept. 12 at 3;30 p.m. ET.

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