In the 17-14 loss to Ohio State, Evans finished with a team-high seven receptions on seven targets for 75 yards and five first-down conversions. He earned Pro Football Focus’ highest grade for a tight end in Week 4.

No. 17 Duke is undefeated with an average margin of victory of 28.5 points. With a win over No. 11 Notre Dame, the Blue Devils could crack the top 15 for the first time since 1960.

The Fighting Irish get three straight bounce-back opportunities against currently undefeated teams following a 17-14 home loss to No. 4 Ohio State. Notre Dame must go 3-0 to be a serious College Football Playoff contender.

Ohio State should’ve boasted the more talented team on Saturday, but Marcus Freeman has put together a roster capable of outplaying the nation’s best.

In a game that came down to one second and an inch, the ninth-ranked Fighting Irish repeatedly failed to execute late. That includes on No. 6 Ohio State’s go-ahead 1-yard touchdown run when a fourth defensive lineman was missing from the field.

The 6-foot-2, 305-pound defensive tackle was the first player to join Notre Dame's 2025 recruiting class. He may be a four-star prospect with offers from top college football programs, but his interests extend far beyond the gridiron.

On Saturday, No. 9 Notre Dame (4-0) will get another chance at No. 6 Ohio State (3-0). Only this year, the Irish enter with the offensive firepower to attack the Buckeye defense.

The Fighting Irish went 3-12 against AP top-10 opponents over the last decade with a 14.1-point average margin of defeat. A victory over the No. 6 Buckeyes on Saturday could shift program perception, boost recruiting and catapult Notre Dame to the forefront of the playoff discussions.

Notre Dame finished with at least eight penalties for the second week in a row in the program's 41-17 victory over Central Michigan.

The Notre Dame offense stayed on fire, totaling 578 yards — a program high since defeating New Mexico 66-14 in 2019.

In two-minute situations, the Fighting Irish quarterback has completed 14 of 17 (82.6%) for 221 yards and three touchdowns. A total of 2:50 has ticked off the game clock.

The Fighting Irish have been at their best when the ball is in the air through three games. Notre Dame is the only team in the country that ranks inside the top 10 in team pass efficiency (2nd) and pass efficiency defense (4th).