Notre Dame overcame a sluggish first half to defeat Wisconsin 41-13 in the season opener at Lambeau Field. The fourth-ranked Fighting Irish led just 13-10 at halftime, with Wisconsin outgaining them 143-135 in yards and holding quarterback CJ Carr to 9-of-16 passing. Coach Marcus Freeman challenged his team at halftime to focus on the moment, and the Irish responded with a dominant second half, outscoring the Badgers 28-3.

Carr finished 19-of-29 for 213 yards and a touchdown, completing 10 of 13 passes for 133 yards after the break. Running backs Aneyas Williams and Nolan James Jr. stepped up in the absence of departed NFL draft picks Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price. Williams rushed for 90 yards and two touchdowns, with 72 yards coming in the second half. James added a 28-yard touchdown reception.

The defense stifled Wisconsin after halftime, allowing only three points and scoring on cornerback D.J. Mc Kinney's 55-yard interception return. Notre Dame compiled touchdown drives of 70, 75, and 88 yards in the second half. Freeman said the win builds confidence for a team that has struggled in early-season games, losing six of 12 games under him in August or September.