Notre Dame Fighting Irish Maintain No. 3 Ranking After Purdue Victory
Notre Dame's Fighting Irish football team maintained their No. 3 ranking in the AP Top 25 college football poll after defeating Purdue. The victory also secured the Shillelagh Trophy for South Bend.
South Bend Elkhart, IN, September 28, 2026 —
Notre Dame’s Fighting Irish football team has successfully defended their position in the national rankings, holding steady at No. 3 in the latest AP Top 25 college football poll. This achievement follows a decisive victory over their rivals, Purdue.
The win against Purdue not only contributes to the team’s strong season record but also holds significant importance due to the rivalry between the two programs. With this latest triumph, the Fighting Irish have officially secured the Shillelagh Trophy, a symbol of their victory over their opponent. The trophy will remain in South Bend.
The AP Top 25 poll is a widely recognized ranking system for college football teams, compiled by Associated Press (AP) sportswriters and editors. Maintaining a high ranking like No. 3 indicates the team’s consistent performance and national recognition throughout the season. Further details regarding the specific score of the game or individual player statistics were not provided in the summary. The contractor’s name was not provided. The fine amount was not provided.
The Shillelagh Trophy is a coveted award presented in the football series between Notre Dame and Purdue. Its awarding signifies the culmination of their annual matchup and is a point of pride for the winning institution. The status of the trophy’s previous location or the history of its transfer was not detailed in the summary.
As the season progresses, the Fighting Irish will aim to continue their winning ways and maintain their high standing in the AP Top 25 poll. The team’s performance against Purdue marks another key milestone in their campaign.
Story summarized from the original created by WSBT 22 on wsbt.com, see more information here.
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