Checking for the latest Fighting Irish updates usually depends on which season we’re currently in because, honestly, Notre Dame fans never really stop watching the clock. Whether it's the gridiron or the hardwood, the South Bend faithful are always asking: what is the score of the notre dame game?
Right now, as we sit in mid-January 2026, the focus has shifted almost entirely to winter sports. The football pads are packed away after a season that was—frankly—a bit of a rollercoaster. If you are looking for the football score, the regular season wrapped up back in late November with a dominant 49-20 win over Stanford. But if you’re looking for a score today, January 13, you’re likely tracking the men's basketball squad as they host Miami at Purcell Pavilion.
The Latest Results: Basketball and Beyond
The men's basketball team has had a rough start to the new year. Just a few days ago, on January 10, they dropped a tough one to Clemson, finishing 61-76. It wasn't pretty. The Irish struggled to find their rhythm in the second half, and even with Jalen Haralson putting up 18 points, the Tigers' defense was just too suffocating.
If you are following the game tonight against Miami, keep an eye on the defensive glass. The Hurricanes have been shooting over 50% from the field lately, which is kind of terrifying if you’re an Irish fan. Carson Towt has been the lone bright spot in the paint, averaging over 10 rebounds a game.
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Recent Men's Basketball Scores (2025-26 Season)
- Jan 10: Clemson 76, Notre Dame 61
- Jan 2: California 72, Notre Dame 71 (A heartbreaker decided in the final 5 seconds)
- Dec 30: Notre Dame 47, Stanford 40
- Dec 21: Purdue Fort Wayne 72, Notre Dame 69
It's been a series of close calls. Losing by one point to Cal after a four-point play by Dai Dai Ames was the kind of loss that keeps coaches up at night.
On the women's side, things have been much brighter. The Notre Dame women’s team recently dismantled No. 22 North Carolina with a 73-50 victory on January 11. Their defense held the Tar Heels to a season-low 50 points, which really shows you the gap in momentum between the two programs right now.
What Happened to Notre Dame Football?
A lot of people still search for what is the score of the notre dame football game thinking about the playoffs. Here is the reality: Marcus Freeman’s squad finished the 2025 regular season with a solid 10-2 record.
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They were high-flying for most of the year, especially during that 70-7 blowout of Syracuse in November. However, those early-season losses—27-24 to Miami and a 41-40 nail-biter against Texas A&M—ultimately kept them out of the College Football Playoff bracket. It’s a bitter pill to swallow when you realize they finished the season on a 10-game winning streak.
The offense, led by CJ Carr, was actually one of the most productive in the country, averaging 42 points per game. Seeing a freshman quarterback operate like that gives people a lot of hope for 2026, but it doesn't change the fact that they're watching the current playoffs from the couch.
Why the Score Matters More at Notre Dame
Being an Independent in football means every single point feels heavier. You don't have a conference title game to save your resume. One bad Saturday in September can ruin a whole year. This year was the perfect example of that "razor's edge" lifestyle.
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In basketball, the transition into the ACC era hasn't always been smooth, but the home-court advantage at Purcell Pavilion is still real. They are 7-2 at home this season. If you are checking the score for a home game, the odds are usually in the Irish's favor, even if the overall record (10-6) looks a bit mid-tier.
Quick Facts for the Casual Fan
- Football Status: Season ended 10-2. No playoff appearance in 2025-26.
- Men's Hoops: Currently 10-6. Struggling in ACC play but strong at home.
- Next Big Game: Men's basketball vs. Virginia Tech on January 17.
- Star Power: Watch for Jalen Haralson (Basketball) and the return of CJ Carr (Football) next fall.
Tracking Scores in Real Time
If you’re trying to catch the live digits for what is the score of the notre dame right now, the best bet is always the official "Fighting Irish" app or the ACC's live scoreboard. Google's real-time snippets are usually fast, but for the nuanced stats—like how many fouls Towt has or if the women's team is running a full-court press—you want the dedicated sports feeds.
Watching Notre Dame sports is basically an exercise in managing blood pressure. One minute you're up 20 on Syracuse, the next you're losing a heartbreaker to Cal at the buzzer.
Actionable Steps for Irish Fans
- Check the TV Schedule: Most basketball games are on the ACC Network or ESPN2 this month.
- Follow the Women's Team: They are currently the more dominant program on campus; if you want to see wins, that's where to look.
- Look Ahead to Spring: Football spring practice will be here before you know it, and the hype for the 2026 season is already building.
- Update Your Apps: Ensure your sports alerts are set to "All Sports" so you don't miss the hockey or soccer results, which are often overlooked but highly competitive at ND.
The score isn't just a number; it's the pulse of South Bend. Whether it's a Tuesday night tip-off or a Saturday afternoon in the fall, staying updated is just part of the deal when you follow the Irish.