In a thrilling Week 2 matchup, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish narrowly defeated Knoxville Tennessee with a final score of 40-34, keeping their hopes alive early in the 2026 season. Both teams showcased offensive firepower, but it was Notre Dame that ultimately came out on top in this high-stakes contest. Cam Ward had a standout performance for Knoxville Tennessee, throwing for an impressive 349 yards and three touchdowns, while Wan'Dale Robinson was a key target, racking up 169 receiving yards. On the ground, Saquon Barkley led the Fighting Irish with 75 rushing yards, providing a balanced attack and contributing to the team's scoring efforts throughout the game. Defensively, it was a strong showing from both sides, but Notre Dame's Riq Woolen made his mark with two crucial interceptions that shifted momentum in favor of the Fighting Irish. The turning point came late in the fourth quarter when Woolen's second pick thwarted a potential game-tying drive by Knoxville, allowing Notre Dame to hold on for the victory. Zack Baun's eight tackles also played a significant role in keeping the Knoxville offense in check during critical moments of the game.