The storied Indiana rivalry between the Purdue Boilermakers and Notre Dame Fighting Irish returns to Notre Dame Stadium as two programs with rich football traditions collide. This in-state battle features the Boilermakers traveling to face their longtime rivals in a matchup that dates back to 1896 and carries significant historical significance for both programs.
Our Purdue vs. Notre Dame prediction dives into the historical head-to-head, introduces the latest PFSN grades for both teams, and provides a score forecast as the Battle for the Shillelagh Trophy returns.
Purdue vs. Notre Dame Details
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025
- Game time:, 3:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Notre Dame Stadium, Notre Dame, IN
- Predicted weather at kick: 82 degrees, mostly cloudy
- How to watch: NBC
Purdue vs. Notre Dame Head-to-Head Record
The Battle of the Shillelagh Trophy has seen Purdue and Notre Dame face off since 1896, but it did not become a yearly competition until 1946. This year, the NCAA did a nice job combining several rivalry games in Week 4 to keep the intensity up all day.
FBS Rivalry games this week:
SMU – TCU (Battle for the Iron Skillet)
Oregon – Oregon St.
Washington – Washington St. (Apple Cup)
Purdue – Notre Dame (Shillelagh Trophy)
James Madison – Liberty (Battle of Blue Ridge)
NC State – Duke (Tobacco Road)
Florida – Miami FL#FBS pic.twitter.com/rC9NpJK0dc— College Sports Central (@nclassen_sports) September 18, 2025
Purdue and Notre Dame played every year from 1946 to 2014 and have only played twice since. Purdue’s longest winning streak in the series was three games, from 1958 to 1960. On the other hand, Notre Dame had an 11-game win streak lasting from 1986 to 1996 and is on a streak of three in a row, consisting of wins from 2014, 2021, and 2024.
Purdue vs. Notre Dame Grades
Below are the PFSN team and positional grades for the highest-ranked players set to be featured in Purdue vs. Notre Dame.
PFSN College OFFi
- Purdue (87.41, B+)
- Notre Dame (80.77, B-)
PFSN College DEFi
- Purdue (79.71, C+)
- Notre Dame (72.35, C-)
PFSN College OL
- Purdue (76.31, C)
- Notre Dame (81.71, B-)
PFSN College QBi
- Ryan Browne, Purdue (76.6, C)
- CJ Carr, Notre Dame (82.2, B-)
PFSN College RBi
- Devin Mockobee, Purdue (81.96, B-)
- Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame (77.32, C+)
PFSN College WRi
- Michael Jackson III, Purdue (78.15, C+)
- Malachi Fields, Notre Dame (75.01, C)
PFSN College TEi
- George Burhenn, Purdue (76.98, C)
- Eli Raridon, Notre Dame (85.32, B)
PFSN College EDGEi
- CJ Nunnally IV, Purdue (79, C+)
- Bryce Young, Notre Dame (76.23, C)
PFSN College DTi
- TJ Lindsey, Purdue (77.64, C+)
- Jared Dawson, Notre Dame (81.71, B-)
PFSN College LBi
- Charles Correa, Purdue (77.79, C+)
- Kyngstonn Villamu-Asa, Notre Dame (74.35, C)
PFSN College CBi
- Hudari Hines, Purdue (81.71, B-)
- Leonard Moore, Notre Dame (89.62, B+)
PFSN College SAFi
- Crew Wakley, Purdue (83.59, B)
- Tae Johnson, Notre Dame (80.77, B-)
Purdue vs. Notre Dame Prediction
Both teams enter Saturday’s matchup seeking redemption after disappointing losses. Purdue (2-1) fell to USC 33-17 in their most recent outing, while Notre Dame (0-2) suffered a heartbreaking 41-40 defeat to Texas A&M at home.
The Fighting Irish’s historic 66-7 victory over the Boilermakers last season looms large as head coach Marcus Freeman prepares his squad for this crucial home contest.
Notre Dame faces internal challenges beyond their opponent, having lost six players to the NFL Draft and watching new contributors struggle with increased expectations and workloads.
However, Purdue enters with motivation from last year’s embarrassing defeat and confidence they can exploit the Fighting Irish’s C-ranked defense that has been vulnerable through two games.
The Boilermakers believe quarterback Ryan Browne and their offensive system can find success against a Notre Dame secondary that has allowed opponents to move the ball effectively.
While Freeman’s team possesses superior talent at quarterback and cornerback positions that should create matchup problems for Brow
ne, the Irish need to rediscover their identity after an 0-2 start. Expect Notre Dame to play with urgency in front of their home crowd, but Purdue’s coaching staff has enough film to avoid complete embarrassment and keep this game more competitive than last year’s blowout.
Prediction: Notre Dame 37, Purdue 17
