No. 7 Notre Dame Looks to Extend ACC Dominance Against Virginia

Cavaliers hope to end Fighting Irish's 22-game regular-season win streak against ACC opponents

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:05pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a college football game in progress, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, gold, orange, and navy blue representing the opposing teams and the intense action on the field.A cubist interpretation of the high-stakes ACC matchup between Notre Dame and Virginia, capturing the dynamic energy and strategic complexity of the game.Charlottesville Today

No. 7 Notre Dame (8-1) faces a Virginia team (6-3) looking to stay on track for the ACC's Coastal Division title. The Fighting Irish have won 22 consecutive regular-season games against ACC schools, including 10 straight on the road. Virginia quarterback Brennan Armstrong's status is uncertain due to a rib injury, and the Cavaliers are also dealing with other key player injuries.

Why it matters

This game is crucial for both teams' postseason aspirations. Notre Dame is hoping to rise in the College Football Playoff rankings, while Virginia is aiming to win the ACC Coastal Division. The outcome could have major implications for the ACC title race and the national playoff picture.

The details

Notre Dame's dominant record against ACC opponents, including 10 straight road wins, presents a significant challenge for Virginia. The Cavaliers are coming off a disappointing loss and need to win their remaining games against Pittsburgh and Virginia Tech to claim the Coastal Division title. The status of Virginia quarterback Brennan Armstrong, who leads the nation in total offense, is uncertain due to a rib injury. The Cavaliers have several other key players dealing with injuries as well.

  • Notre Dame and Virginia will face off on Saturday night in Charlottesville.
  • Virginia will play Pittsburgh and Virginia Tech to close out the regular season.

The players

Bronco Mendenhall

The head coach of the Virginia Cavaliers football team.

Brennan Armstrong

The starting quarterback for the Virginia Cavaliers, who leads the nation in total offense with 425.3 yards per game.

Brian Kelly

The head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team.

Kyle Hamilton

The junior All-America free safety for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, who is listed as doubtful due to a right knee injury.

Drew White

The linebacker for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish who has continued to play despite tearing a posterior cruciate ligament during practice.

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What they’re saying

“I probably won't have an update until the ball is kicked off and we all look out there and see who our quarterback is.”

— Bronco Mendenhall, Head Coach, Virginia Cavaliers

“We've got to prepare for quote-unquote, a Wildcat offense structure as well as Armstrong playing.”

— Brian Kelly, Head Coach, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

“It's the Notre Dame culture – being a gritty, tough dude. It's my teammates who I want to be there for.”

— Drew White, Linebacker, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

What’s next

The winner of this game will take a major step towards their postseason goals, while the loser will face an uphill battle to achieve their objectives. The outcome of this matchup could have significant implications for the ACC title race and the national playoff picture.

The takeaway

This game showcases the strength of the Notre Dame program, which has dominated ACC opponents in the regular season, against a Virginia team looking to pull off an upset and keep its Coastal Division title hopes alive. The status of key players like Brennan Armstrong and Kyle Hamilton will be crucial factors in determining the outcome.