The 22-year-old delivered another outstanding performance, scoring twice on the power play, once in the first period and again in the second. With those goals, Gauthier became the first player in NHL history to record multiple power-play goals in three consecutive games.

Cutter Gauthier becomes the first player in NHL history to record multiple power play goals in three-straight games.

— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) November 4, 2026

His historic night also included another hat trick, marking his second consecutive game with three goals. In doing so, Gauthier became the first player in Anaheim Ducks franchise history to record back-to-back hat tricks.

MORE: Nikita Kucherov reveals real reason behind trade request

Gauthier continues incredible scoring run

Gauthier’s recent production has been nothing short of spectacular. He has scored eight goals over his last three games and extended his point streak to five consecutive contests.

His achievement also puts him alongside a Ducks legend. Gauthier joins Paul Kariya, who accomplished the feat during the 2000-01 season, as the only players in Anaheim franchise history to record multiple goals of any kind in three straight games.

Following Tuesday’s victory, Gauthier expressed his surprise at being the first NHL player to accomplish the power-play milestone, while also acknowledging the significance of the moment.

“Kind of surprised some of those other legends before me haven’t done that with how good they were, and obviously a really special moment, but really happy we got the two wins and we can keep this thing going,” Gauthier said after the game.

MORE: Best & worst NHL Hometown Remix jerseys in 2026

Ducks look to keep momentum going

Gauthier’s historic stretch comes during the first season of his lucrative six-year, $81 million contract with Anaheim. Signed in September, the deal carries an annual average value of $13.5 million, reflecting the organization’s confidence in the young forward’s ability to become a cornerstone of the franchise.

Meanwhile, the Ducks are beginning to build some momentum, having now won two consecutive games.

With Gauthier playing the best hockey of his young NHL career, Anaheim will look to extend its winning streak when it travels to face the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday.

If Gauthier can maintain anything close to his current scoring pace, the Ducks could have a special offensive weapon leading their push forward.

– Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter –

Republican Mark Teixeira, a three-time Major League Baseball All-Star, has won election to the U.S. House in Texas’ 21st Congressional District. Also Tuesday, former college football coach Tommy Tuberville won the Alabama gubernatorial race: https://t.co/FxvgCt4GDR

— ESPN (@espn) November 4, 2026

The Republican and former New York Yankees first baseman defeated Democrat Kristin Hook in Tuesday’s election, adding an unexpected new chapter to a career that already included a World Series championship and three All-Star selections.

MORE: Predicting MLB free agent landing spots in 2026-27 offseason

Mark Teixeira defeats Kristin Hook in Texas election

Teixeira defeated Democratic candidate Kristin Hook to win the seat, which was left open after Republican Rep. Chip Roy decided not to seek reelection. The victory gives Teixeira the opportunity to represent Texas’ 21st Congressional District, which includes portions of San Antonio and Austin.

According to election results reported by Reuters, Teixeira had secured more than 54% of the vote with 95% of ballots counted. He also received endorsements from President Donald Trump and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott during his campaign.

Following the victory, Teixeira thanked his supporters and said he was looking forward to serving as a strong, responsive voice for families and communities throughout the district.

Former Yankees star begins a new chapter

Teixeira spent 14 seasons in MLB, playing for the Texas Rangers, Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Angels and New York Yankees. He finished his career as a three-time All-Star, five-time Gold Glove winner and three-time Silver Slugger.

His biggest team accomplishment came with the Yankees in 2009, when he helped New York win the World Series. Teixeira finished his MLB career with 409 home runs and 1,298 RBIs.

Now, the former first baseman is moving from professional baseball into elected office. His election victory marks a significant career change for the former Yankees star, who will take over the Texas congressional seat in January.

Teixeira delivered a monster 2009 season for the Yankees

Teixeira’s first season in New York was one of the best campaigns of his MLB career. In 2009, he appeared in 156 regular-season games and hit .292 with 39 home runs, 43 doubles, 103 runs scored and 122 RBIs. He led the American League in both home runs and RBIs, earned an All-Star selection and won both the Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards.

He continued to make an impact during the Yankees’ postseason run. Teixeira hit a walk-off home run in the 11th inning of Game 2 of the American League Division Series against the Minnesota Twins, giving New York a dramatic victory. Although he struggled at the plate overall during the postseason, he scored five runs across the six games of the World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Yankees defeated Philadelphia in six games to capture the 2009 World Series championship, giving Teixeira the biggest team accomplishment of his playing career.

Teixeira’s journey from MLB All-Star to U.S. representative is certainly an unusual one, giving baseball fans another reason to follow his next chapter beyond the diamond.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —

Cunningham is becoming one of the WNBA’s most popular and infamous players. She has a vibrant, outgoing personality and is never afraid to share her opinion. That range includes everything from trans women participating in women’s sports to the latest reality TV drama. Her range is impressive, and much of her fame has little to do with her basketball play.

Her influence and impact are evident in how much her social-media presence has grown this WNBA season.

MORE: Sophie Cunningham villain role perfectly highlighted by Nancy Lieberman

Sophie Cunningham’s social-media presence has grown exponentially

How much has Sophie Cunningham’s social presence grown during this past season? Short answer: a ton. Brendan Kaminsky on X posted a graphic showing just how popular/infamous Cunningham has become.

Just how powerful has Sophie Cunningham's social media influence been? She gained more Instagram followers this season than the other 49 most-followed WNBA players COMBINED… and more than ANY NBA player. pic.twitter.com/hJHsrwuEvb

— Brendan Kaminsky (@BKaminsky) November 3, 2026

The Missouri product’s followers have increased by just over 2.9 million! That’s more than 49 of the most-followed WNBA players combined, including her teammate on the Indiana Fever, Caitlin Clark.

It’s also more than any other NBA player, including stars like Jalen Brunson, Victor Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. It’s incredible because that list includes a player who just won an NBA championship, an international superstar and a player who has won back-to-back MVPs.

The 30-year-old Cunningham has 4.3 million followers on Instagram and 4.6 million followers on TikTok.

Sophie Cunningham says on her podcast @NoHesiShow that she has hired security that will be with her 24/7 starting next week. pic.twitter.com/J4eUsZTEgW

— Jackson Thompson (@JackThompsonFOX) November 2, 2026

She hosts a podcast called “No Hesitation with Sophie Cunningham and Drew Hanlen.” Hanlen is one of the most popular trainers for NBA stars. She explained on the podcast that her popularity comes with risks and issues. She had to hire full-time security because of threats and stalkers.

MORE: Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark reacts to new WNBA team pitch

Cunningham is a free agent and played her last two seasons with the Fever.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —

MORE: Fantasy Football studs & duds Week 9 of 2026 NFL season

Ranks 12-8

12. Ashton Jeanty-Raiders:

Jeanty leads all RBs in receiving yds, as he is as much of a threat in the air as he is on the ground…maybe more. He actually has more receiving yards than rushing yards and has three receiving TDs to only one rushing TD. San Francisco is actually in the bottom third in the league against the run, and with Jeanty’s versatility, he’ll create havoc this week against them.

11. Rhamondre Stevenson-Patriots:

Aside from a fumbling issue, Stevenson is a solid and steady RB. He faces a Green Bay team at home this week that ranks 25th against the run. This season, he has three total RBs, and he does a great job catching passes out of the backfield. He’s caught 23 out of 27 targets and is on pace to have over 100 total yds this season.

10. Aaron Jones-Vikings:

Jones was firing on all cylinders this season before a knee injury set him back in his matchup with the Colts on October 25th. He did play last week, albeit not very effectively. He’ll have an extra day to rest this week as his Vikings play the Bills on Monday night. For all the hype surrounding the Bills and their 6-1 start, their defense isn’t very good at all. They rank 29th against the run.

9. Saquon Barkley-Eagles:

Barkley is literally the only thing the Eagles have going for them. He faces a Giants team that is middle of the pack against the run. As Barkley continues to ramp up, he’ll see more and more touches moving forward. Two weeks ago, he only had seven rushes, and last week he nearly doubled it, with 13. He did manage to find the end zone in each of those games. 

8. Cam Skattabo-Giants:

Before his bye last week, Skattabo had his best game of the season against the Texans, rushing for 124 yards. He did tweak his hamstring, so the bye came at the perfect time. He is practicing this week and is expected to suit up. Assuming he does, he’ll have a solid outing against an Eagles team that is already looking for their sunscreen, waiting for the season to end.

Ranks 7-4

7. Kyren Williams-Rams:

Williams is tied for eighth in rushing TDs and has 790 combined yds, on pace for nearly 1700. Matt Stafford is nursing an achy throwing arm, and if he is diminished in any way, or can’t go, Williams’ role will be even larger. Either way, he’ll find the endzone against a Washington team that has given up 26 points per game this year.

6. Quinshon Judkins-Browns:

Judkins faces the worst run defense this season as he heads to The Big Easy to play the Saints. This past week against the Steelers, Judkins had his least productive game of the season, with only 11 carries. After falling behind, the Browns completely abandoned the run. They won’t make that mistake again. Expect Judkins to get his most touches this year and most production in New Orleans.

5. Kenneth Walker III -Chiefs:

After two weeks with 305 yds and four TDs, Walker hasn’t scored a TD in back-to-back games and has only 105 rushing yds. He and the Chiefs get back to basics this week and feed the beast. Look for him to get to the endzone with at least one TD and easily eclipse triple-digit rushing yds.

4. Javonte Williams-Cowboys:

The Cowboys followed the blueprint after their big win against Philadelphia. In that game, Williams rushed the ball 25 times. Last week against the Cardinals, he had 24 rushes…but with much weaker results, only gaining a third of the yards. This week they face an Indianapolis team already playing out the string. They were destroyed last week, losing 42-7 to the Jaguars, and have only scored 16 points in the last two weeks. The Cowboys will get an early lead and work Williams hard to finish it out, milking the clock.

Top 3

3. Jonathon Taylor-Colts:

There is only one bright spot on the Colts, and that’s Taylor. he is a prideful player who’d never throw in the towel. He’s eighth in rushing yards and tied for second with eight TDs. Whatever offense the Colts muster this week will run through Taylor…he’s averaging 102 total yds per game.

2. Jahmyr Gibbs-Lions:

How many times have we seen Gibbs and Robinson 1-2 on this list? They are both joys to watch every week. Detroit goes to Miami this week to face a Dolphins team that’s 27th against the run. Gibbs leads RBs in yardage and TDs and has 10 total TDs this season. He actually has 125 more combined yards than Robinson…in one fewer game. He is an absolute monster and will have a field day this week. Look for 150+ combined yds with a couple of TDs.

1. Bijan Robinson-Falcons:

Mr. Robinson, welcome to Spain. The Falcons play the Bengals in Madrid this week. Robinson doesn’t have many opportunities to play in primetime spots. This is a game he’ll have the whole stage to himself. The Bengals will put up a ton of points this week, easily surpassing 30 points. That normally wouldn’t bode well for an RB, but with a back like Robinson, it won’t matter. He’s a weapon anywhere on the field, regardless of the score. By his standards, the last four games have been pedestrian. He hasn’t gained over 100 rushing yds since Oct.5th. That will change this week. Similar to Gibbs, look for 150+ combined yds and a couple of TDs.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —

STUNNER IN MONTREAL!! 🤯 The @NHLJets have stormed all the way back from a 4-0 deficit in only 2:06! https://t.co/9Fkn6tJi7T

— NHL (@NHL) November 4, 2026

However, everything fell apart in the closing minutes, as Winnipeg scored four unanswered goals before completing an incredible comeback with an overtime winner.

MORE: Best & worst NHL Hometown Remix jerseys in 2026

Canadiens suffer historic collapse against Winnipeg

Montreal was in complete control for most of the night, taking a 4-0 advantage into the final minutes of regulation. Cole Caufield scored twice, while Owen Beck and Josh Anderson also found the back of the net.

With just 2:39 remaining in the third period, the Canadiens appeared to be on their way to another victory. Instead, the Jets completely flipped the game on its head.

Winnipeg scored four goals in just 2 minutes and 6 seconds to erase the deficit. Tyrel Bauer started the comeback with his first NHL goal, followed by Morgan Barron’s goal to make it 4-2.

Kyle Connor then took over, scoring twice to bring the Jets all the way back. His second goal tied the game at 4-4 with just 32 seconds remaining in regulation.

Montreal went from holding a four-goal advantage to watching its opponent force overtime in a matter of minutes.

MORE: NHL stock watch: Risers & fallers after Week 5

Winnipeg completes the comeback in overtime

The Canadiens’ nightmare was not over when the game reached overtime.

At 3:30 of the extra period, Dylan Samberg scored the game-winning goal to complete Winnipeg’s stunning 5-4 victory. The Jets had officially pulled off one of the most remarkable comebacks the NHL has ever seen.

The Habs blew a 4-goal lead in the third period and the Jets seal the deal in OT in an instant classic. https://t.co/UiwiplCbeP

— Ozoon (@Ozoon_CA) November 4, 2026

In fact, this was the latest four-goal comeback in NHL history. No team had previously erased a four-goal deficit with so little time remaining in regulation.

The result was particularly surprising considering Winnipeg entered the matchup riding a nine-game losing streak. Montreal, meanwhile, had won five consecutive games before Tuesday night’s collapse.

For the Canadiens, this is a loss that will be difficult to forget. Blowing a four-goal lead with less than three minutes remaining is bad enough, but allowing the opponent to complete the comeback in overtime makes it even more painful.

Is this the biggest regular-season choke job in NHL history? It is certainly going to be part of that conversation.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —

Now, with SMU’s loss to Syracuse, a Wake Forest win means they are in. An SMU win means absolute tiebreaker chaos, which we are accustomed to seeing in the ACC at this point.

MORE: Biggest risers in College Football after Week 9

Top 10

10. Pittsburgh

The Panthers have started to right the ship after losing QB Mason Heintschel for the season, with a dominant 34-11 win over Georgia Tech in Week 9. It was the ground game that picked up some of the slack, with Damon Ferguson Jr. rushing for 185 yards and 2 touchdowns.

9. North Carolina

The Tar Heels were oh-so-close to a massive upset over Miami in Week 9, which would have served as the first signature win of the Bill Belichick era. They actually led Miami 28-24 with around 8 minutes to play, but Mark Fletcher scored on 4th-and-goal to propel the Canes into the lead. Carolina also had not one, but two onside kick recoveries overturned for penalties. Things could have gotten real interesting in Chapel Hill if one had stood.

8. Syracuse

Syracuse is an entirely different football team with Steve Angeli back from injury. Last week, it was an upset on the road at North Carolina. This week, a massive 30-27 home victory over a heavily favored SMU team. Umari Hatcher and Calvin Russell are starting to look like one of the best WR duos in the ACC.

7. Clemson

Dabo Swinney is going to find a way to get this team to 9-3, isn’t he? Tait Reynolds had the best game of his young career in a 36-24 victory over Florida State, totaling 3 TDs on the ground and through the air. If Reynolds can continue to develop, this could turn into one of the more unlikely 9-win seasons of all time.

6. Duke

Nate Sheppard. Nate Sheppard. Nate Sheppard. The best running back in college football scored 5 times in a 47-2 rout of Boston College in Week 9. The blueprint on how to beat the Blue Devils is simple – stop #20.

MORE: Biggest fallers in College Football after Week 9

Top 5

5. Virginia Tech

The Hokies had a Bye in Week 9, which was great timing – a Friday night road trip to Dallas to take on SMU awaits here in Week 10. Expect Ethan Grunkemeyer to be able to put up points through the air against this SMU secondary.

4. SMU

The Mustangs had the most impactful loss of any ACC team in Week 9 – after losing to Syracuse, they no longer control their own destiny in the ACC title race. Kevin Jennings played well in the loss, throwing for 352 yards and 2 touchdowns. But the run game was sloppy, and the defense allowed Syracuse to drive the field in the final 4 minutes to win the game.

3. Louisville 

The Cardinals did what most of the ACC has done in Week 9 – beat Stanford by 28 points. Louisville has bounced back nicely after back-to-back losses to Wake Forest and NC State, and are just a few upsets away from climbing their way back to Charlotte for the ACC Championship game. 

2. Wake Forest

The Deacs were dominant in a 51-7 victory over Virginia in Week 9, in a game that was never in doubt. Carlos Hernandez is the second-best receiver in the ACC, and he proved it with an 8-reception, 136-yard, and 1-TD performance against the Virginia secondary. Gio Lopez only completed 13 passes (they didn’t need to throw) – and 8 of them went to Hernandez.

1. Miami

When you keep playing with fire, you’re eventually going to get burned. Miami just keeps putting their hand close to the flame, again needing calls from officials to overcome an inferior opponent. This time, it was two onside kicks that were recovered by North Carolina, but given to the Canes upon some close calls and reviews. Malachi Toney is still Malachi Toney, and Darian Mensah is the best QB in the conference, but they’re going to have to be at their best to beat Notre Dame, as this 2026 Miami defense doesn’t seem capable of stopping the Irish in the way they did in 2025.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —

Watson appeared to clear two more evaluations, one after the game and another Monday morning, without showing symptoms. That picture changed by Tuesday, setting up a tight decision for the Browns ahead of Sunday’s game.

MORE: Deshaun Watson gets unexpected Stephen A. Smith praise as Browns lead AFC North

Deshaun Watson placed in concussion protocol

Watson has been placed in the NFL’s concussion protocol, the Browns announced. The team said Watson told medical staff Tuesday morning that he began feeling symptoms Monday night.

Watson must clear the league’s five-step return-to-play process, which ends with sign-off from both the team physician and an independent neurological consultant, before he can play again.

With Deshaun Watson in concussion protocol, Browns QB Sheduer Sanders is next in line to start on Sunday’s game vs. the Saints. pic.twitter.com/Gv1fQycWJe

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 4, 2026

With the New Orleans Saints on deck Sunday, Cleveland has limited time to get clarity on his status.

Shedeur Sanders next in line if Deshaun Watson can’t clear protocol

With Watson in protocol, Shedeur Sanders is next in line to start Sunday’s game against the Saints. Sanders entered Sunday’s loss for four snaps when Watson briefly left the field.

Dillon Gabriel, Cleveland’s No. 3 quarterback, was activated Monday after missing the first seven games with a back injury, while rookie Taylen Green remains on the roster as a fourth option.

Watson has delivered a fourth-quarter, game-winning drive in each of Cleveland’s five victories this season, making his status a central question as the Browns prepare for New Orleans.

Cleveland visits New Orleans at 1 p.m. ET Sunday on CBS and Paramount+.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —

Weinberg is the kicker for the Hurricanes, who just received good news from the College Football Playoff selection committee. The committee placed Miami at No. 1 in the first CFP rankings of the year. Weinberg previously kicked for the Florida State Seminoles before transferring to Miami, where Trump plays on the golf team.

The two were spotted recently at a restaurant in Palm Beach, leading to further rumors of a potential romance. However, a new report from TMZ tossed cold water on those rumors.

MORE: Kai Trump shares hospital bed injury update revealing surgery

TMZ refutes dating rumors

TMZ spoke to a source close to Trump, the daughter of Donald Trump Jr. and Vanessa Trump and granddaughter of President Donald Trump, who said there is no romantic spark between the two.

“Dating rumors have been swirling on social media … and some folks saw Kai and Jake at the same Palm Beach restaurant recently … but we’re told there’s nothing brewing … at least romantically,” TMZ reported on Wednesday.

Kai Trump recently had surgery

Just last month, Trump revealed she was recovering from surgery to repair a wrist injury she suffered in her first tournament of the season.

“While I had hoped to avoid surgery, after talks with my family, coaches, and athletic training staff I know I made the best decision for my long-term health and my future in the game I love,” she said.

It’s unclear if she’ll be able to return to the golf course this season.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark joined Kelce on a bonus Tuesday episode of her podcast, Not Gonna Lie, for a conversation that covered Philadelphia’s basketball history, the recent WNBA Finals and, eventually, Kelce’s pitch for Clark’s future.

MORE: Caitlin Clark with high praise for Golden State Valkyries’ WNBA Finals victory

Kylie Kelce pitches Caitlin Clark on joining Philadelphia’s WNBA team

Kelce floated potential names for the expansion franchise, including “Philadelphia Broads,” a nod to the city’s Broad Street. She then turned her attention to recruiting Clark directly, asking if she would attend a 76ers game and imagining her face on the arena’s video board.

“Would they boo me or would they cheer?” Clark asked.

“I know for a fact, if they put your face on the Jumbotron at a Sixers game, we would bring the house down with cheers,” Kelce said.

MORE: Caitlin Clark gifts Iowa basketball perfect CC1 colorway for 2026-27 season

Caitlin Clark’s playful response fuels Philadelphia WNBA speculation

Clark responded, “You can claim me,” adding that she has only visited Philadelphia once, for a doctor’s appointment, followed by a cheesesteak.

“Let me come experience the city first,” Clark said. “You can sell it to me.”

Caitlin Clark says Philly can claim her, debates potential WNBA team names with Kylie Kelce on ‘Not Gonna Lie’ https://t.co/CgYh6rBdyn

— Philly Daily News (@PhillyDailyNews) November 4, 2026

Kelce said she has already spoken with South Carolina coach Dawn Staley about the expansion team and called her pursuit of Clark a long-term effort.

Clark remains under contract with the Fever through 2027 and becomes a restricted free agent in 2028, two years before Philadelphia’s franchise is set to begin play.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —

MORE: Biggest risers in College Football after Week 9

The game directly altered the course of the 1988 National Championship, as Notre Dame emerged victorious and went on to win it all. Fast forward to 2026. Notre Dame and Miami are slated to meet in Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday night. College Gameday will be there, and NBC will air the game nationally. It’s the Game of the Year, and the way we got here is feeling a lot like 1988.

History could be repeating itself

In that fateful 1988 matchup, the two teams entered with Miami ranking #1 and Notre Dame ranking #4 in the AP Poll. That’s precisely where the two teams enter this week. The 1988 game had direct National Championship implications, and this meet-up will have direct CFP implications.

Both teams have plenty to prove

The national media loves to discredit Notre Dame because of a perceived weak schedule, yet no one seems to do the same for Miami, when the schedules are more alike than different. Heading into Week 10, Notre Dame’s strength of schedule ranks 55th, and Miami 49th.

Ironically, both teams had quite easy draws from the ACC. Notre Dame plays 5 ACC games per year, and this year, they drew Miami, SMU, and three below-average ACC opponents. USC canceling their rivalry game with Notre Dame didn’t help things, either. For Miami, they have already beaten Wake Forest, but do not draw Louisville or SMU. The simple fact of the matter is that, for both of these teams, weak schedules make this game matter more. We won’t get many more opportunities to see either of these teams against College Football Playoff-level competition.

And a loss would be massively detrimental for both programs. For Notre Dame, we just saw a 10-2 Notre Dame team get denied entry to the CFP last season. For Miami, losing this game would create a razor-thin pathway. With no reputable wins outside of Wake Forest, Miami would likely need to win out and win the ACC Championship in order to qualify for the CFP.

MORE: Biggest fallers in College Football after Week 9

Heisman Trophy implications add to the stakes

This game also has massive Heisman Trophy implications. Heading into Week 10, Miami’s Darian Mensah and Malachi Toney, as well as Notre Dame’s CJ Carr, rank in the top-4 betting favorites to hoist the Heisman trophy (according to DraftKings sportsbook). A nationally televised game in November against top competition sounds like a great opportunity for a “Heisman moment” for any of that trio.

Last season’s meeting adds another layer

These same two teams also gave us a great meeting last season. On Sunday night of Week 1 of the season, the college football world was introduced to CJ Carr and Malachi Toney in their first starts. Toney was outstanding, and Carson Beck was solid at quarterback. But some hiccups on the Notre Dame side allowed the Hurricanes to come out on top.

It was the first game for new Defensive Coordinator Chris Ash, and the defense had multiple mental mistakes and communication errors on all levels. It was also Carr’s first start, and for some reason, Notre Dame decided not to give the ball to Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price – they totalled 16 carries for a pedestrian 78 yards. It was Miami’s pass rush duo of Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor that sealed the deal, sacking CJ Carr on the game’s final play and ending an Irish comeback effort. Heading into this season, Bain, Mesidor, Price, and Love are all gone.

Ash, Carr, and Toney are all in their second seasons on campus. This game in 2026 will look different than that one – especially considering Notre Dame’s All-American cornerback Leonard Moore seems prepared to follow Malachi Toney all over the field in a college football clash of the titans.

What will we call this one?

This one is going to be fun. It’s the Game of the Year. There will be sweeping implications all over college football, no matter the victor. The only question that needs to be answered is – what will we call it?

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —