Notre Dame QB CJ Carr fumbles spike attempt in loss to BYU
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The gist
Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr lost a fumble on a spike attempt in a 28-24 loss at BYU.
The loss is the first real knock on Carr's top-10 2027 draft projection.
Background
CJ Carr is Notre Dame's junior quarterback and a second-year starter, projected as a top-10 pick in the 2027 NFL draft if he declares. Notre Dame entered the BYU game 6-0 and ranked No. 2 in the AP poll, with a path to No. 1 after Georgia, Alabama and Miami all struggled that day. Carr had thrown 10 touchdown passes in the three games before BYU, and the loss was Notre Dame's first against a good team this season after last year's defeats to Miami and Texas A&M.
How it unfolded
- Sep 19, 2026Carr did not throw a touchdown pass against Michigan State but had a rushing touchdown in that game.
- Oct 17, 2026Notre Dame lost 28-24 at BYU; Carr completed 27-of-49 for 261 yards with no passing touchdowns or interceptions, adding six carries for 13 yards and a lost fumble.
- Oct 17, 2026With Notre Dame trailing 21-10 and six seconds left in the first half, Carr lost his grip on a spike attempt on first-and-goal; after BYU coach Kalani Sitake called timeout and officials reviewed, it was ruled a fumble.
- Oct 17, 2026Carr's final pass to Jaden Greathouse in the end zone fell incomplete as time expired; Greathouse might have been interfered with by BYU's Evan Johnson, but no call was made.
- Oct 21, 2026The Big Lead argued Carr should be considered QB1 in the 2027 NFL Draft class.
- Oct 24, 2026Notre Dame stood at 6-1 at the bye week; Carr said the response starts on the practice field, and he watched his brother Tommy make his first career start for Michigan against Indiana.
- Oct 31, 2026Notre Dame is scheduled to face Navy at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., after the bye week.
Who’s saying what
- Bulls
- The Big Lead writer Mike Connolly said Carr cemented his 2027 NFL Draft Day slot and should be considered QB1 in the class.
- Caution
- AtoZ Sports writer Ryan Roberts said the loss doesn't fall solely on Carr, but as the quarterback in the biggest game of the season he has to stand tallest.
- Official
- Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman said Carr's ability to read a defense and make quick decisions is what makes him special, and that he won't make the same mistake twice.
- Official
- Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock said the offense is now fully in Carr's hands and the staff is comfortable letting him steer the ship whenever possible.
Still unverified
Whether Jaden Greathouse was interfered with by BYU's Evan Johnson on the final play; no call was made. Rules analyst Terry McAulay said Notre Dame may have lost a chance to win or tie because of a possible clock management or officiating error, with replay officials clearing the final play.