So, you’re looking for the score. It’s been a chaotic Saturday for the Irish, and depending on which "game" you had in mind, the mood ranges from "frustrating" to "wait, are we actually done with football for the year?"
The Latest Score: Notre Dame vs. Virginia Tech (Jan 17, 2026)
If you're checking your phone right now for the live action, here is the reality: Virginia Tech 89, Notre Dame 76. Honestly, it wasn't particularly pretty. Playing in Blacksburg is always a nightmare, and the Hokies didn't make it any easier on Micah Shrewsberry’s squad. The final score actually makes the game look a bit closer than it felt for most of the second half. Tobi Lawal and Amani Hansberry basically took over for Virginia Tech, combining for 43 points.
Notre Dame stayed alive for a while thanks to Braeden Shrewsberry and Cole Certa hitting some big shots from the perimeter, but they really missed Markus Burton’s playmaking. Without that spark in the backcourt, the offense sorta stalled out whenever the Hokies turned up the defensive pressure.
Breaking Down the Box Score
- Final Score: 89-76 (Virginia Tech)
- The Big Number: 18. That was the deficit the Irish faced early in the second half.
- The Bright Spot: Braeden Shrewsberry continues to prove he’s one of the most dangerous shooters in the ACC.
This loss drops the Irish to 10-8 on the season. It’s a tough pill to swallow after that 81-69 loss to Miami earlier this week. They’ve now dropped three straight, and the road doesn't get any easier with a trip to Chapel Hill looming on January 21.
📖 Related: Bethany Hamilton and the Shark: What Really Happened That Morning
What’s the Score of Notre Dame Game in Football?
If you were searching for "what's the score of Notre Dame game" hoping to find a bowl update or a playoff score, I have some news that might still sting.
Notre Dame’s football season ended with a massive "what if."
Despite a stellar 10-2 regular season—including that wild 70-7 blowout of Syracuse in November—the Fighting Irish were famously (or infamously) snubbed from the 12-team College Football Playoff bracket. They finished ranked 9th in many polls, but the committee's final logic favored a Miami team that had been trailing them all year.
👉 See also: Simona Halep and the Reality of Tennis Player Breast Reduction
The Playoff Snub Timeline
- November 29: ND beats Stanford 49-20. Fans think the playoff spot is locked.
- December 7: Selection Sunday. The Irish are left out in favor of Miami.
- January 14: Marcus Freeman finally addresses the "snub" publicly, telling reporters the program’s goal for 2026 is to "leave no doubt" so they aren't at the mercy of a committee.
So, if you’re looking for a football score today, January 17, 2026, there isn't one. The National Championship is actually set for Monday night between No. 1 Indiana and No. 10 Miami. Yeah, it’s a bit of a gut punch for Irish fans to watch Miami play for a title after leaping them in the rankings. Marcus Freeman has been busy on the recruiting trail instead, appearing as a guest analyst on College GameDay this week while trying to finalize one of the best transfer portal classes in the country.
Looking Ahead: When is the Next Game?
If you’ve had enough of the basketball score from Blacksburg, you’ve probably already shifted your focus to the future.
The basketball team needs to find some rhythm before they head to North Carolina. The lack of depth without Burton is glaring. If they can't figure out how to generate clean looks without him, this ACC stretch is going to be long and painful.
✨ Don't miss: NFL Pick 'em Predictions: Why You're Probably Overthinking the Divisional Round
On the football side, the "score" we’re all waiting for is the spring game. With CJ Carr entering his second year under Mike Denbrock’s offense, the hype is already building for the 2026 season opener against Wisconsin at Lambeau Field. That’s scheduled for September 6, 2026.
Why the 2026 Season Feels Different
Basically, the roster is loaded. They just landed Mylan Graham, a former five-star receiver from Ohio State, through the portal. Jordan Faison is officially done with lacrosse to focus 100% on football. The receiver room is deeper than it’s been in a decade.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- For Basketball: Watch the January 21 matchup against North Carolina at 7:00 PM ET on ESPN2. See if Logan Imes can step up as a primary distributor.
- For Football: Keep an eye on the transfer portal window. Freeman is still looking for one more impact defensive tackle to anchor the front four before spring ball begins.
- Recruiting: Follow the Polynesian Bowl updates this weekend, as several high-profile Notre Dame targets are in Hawaii and could make announcements soon.