If you’re asking "who won Notre Dame or Miami," the answer usually depends on whether you're looking for the score of their last meeting or the historical tally of a rivalry that literally defined college football in the 1980s. These two programs don't just play football; they clash in a way that feels personal. It’s "Catholics vs. Convicts." It’s the gold helmets against the turnover chain.
The last time these two heavyweights actually stepped onto the same field was back in 2017. Miami absolutely dominated that game, winning 41-8 at Hard Rock Stadium. It was a statement game for the Hurricanes, one that vaulted them into the playoff conversation at the time and left the Irish searching for answers in the South Florida humidity.
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But football fans know that one game never tells the whole story. To understand who "won" this rivalry, you have to look at the decades of bad blood, the narrow escapes, and the lopsided blowouts that make this one of the most sporadic yet intense matchups in the sport.
The Historic Record: Who Leads the Series?
When you look at the all-time record, Notre Dame holds the upper hand. They lead the series 18-8-1.
That might look like a blowout on paper, but it doesn't feel like one. Most of those Irish wins came in chunks, particularly early on. The rivalry didn't truly ignite until the 1980s. Before then, it was just another game. Then, Howard Schnellenberger and Jimmy Johnson turned Miami into a juggernaut. Suddenly, the Irish weren't just playing a team from Florida; they were defending the "honor" of college football against a brash, trash-talking squad that didn't care about tradition.
The 1988 game is the one everyone talks about. Notre Dame won 31-30. It’s widely considered one of the greatest college football games ever played. Lou Holtz vs. Jimmy Johnson. A pre-game tunnel fight. A controversial fumble call at the goal line. That 1988 victory propelled Notre Dame to their last consensus National Championship. If you ask an Irish fan who won the most important game, they’ll point to '88 every single time.
Why They Haven't Played Lately
It's honestly frustrating for fans. Because Notre Dame is an independent (with an ACC scheduling agreement) and Miami is a full ACC member, they should play more often. But the rotation is slow. Since that 2017 blowout by the Canes, the two teams haven't met.
The scheduling gods have kept them apart, which only builds the tension.
The 2017 game was supposed to be the "return" of the rivalry to the national stage. Both teams were ranked in the top 10. ESPN’s College GameDay was there. The atmosphere was electric. Miami’s defense forced four turnovers, and the "Turnover Chain" became a national phenomenon that night. Notre Dame’s offense, led by Ian Book and Josh Adams, just couldn't get anything going against the "U" defense.
The Cultural Impact of Catholics vs. Convicts
You can’t talk about who won Notre Dame or Miami without mentioning the 1988 "Catholics vs. Convicts" T-shirt. It was created by a few Notre Dame students, and it perfectly captured the cultural divide between the programs.
Notre Dame represented the establishment. The history. The "Right Way" of doing things.
Miami represented the new guard. The swagger. The city of Miami in the 80s.
Even though the shirt was controversial—and frankly, a bit much—it cemented the game as a clash of identities. When Miami won 58-7 in 1985, they didn't just win; they embarrassed the Irish. Jimmy Johnson was accused of running up the score. Lou Holtz never forgot that. When he took over at Notre Dame, he made beating Miami his primary mission. He succeeded in '88, but the rivalry has always been a see-saw of dominance.
Recent Trends and What’s Next
Lately, both programs have been in a state of flux. Notre Dame transitioned from the Brian Kelly era to Marcus Freeman. They've remained consistent, usually hovering around the 10-win mark and making appearances in the New Year's Six bowls.
Miami, meanwhile, has been trying to "get back" for two decades. Under Mario Cristobal, the recruiting has surged, but the on-field results have been a roller coaster.
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If they played today? It would be a toss-up.
Notre Dame’s defensive front is usually more disciplined, but Miami often has the edge in raw, explosive athleticism at the skill positions. That's been the story of this matchup for 40 years. Notre Dame wins with execution and power; Miami wins with speed and intimidation.
A Timeline of Key Matchups
- 1988: Notre Dame 31, Miami 30. The peak of the rivalry. Pat Terrell bats down a two-point conversion attempt to save the game for the Irish.
- 1989: Miami 27, Notre Dame 10. The Hurricanes ended Notre Dame's 23-game winning streak and went on to win the national title.
- 1990: Notre Dame 29, Miami 20. The last regular-season meeting for a long time. The series was put on hiatus because things had become too heated and, frankly, dangerous in the stands and on the field.
- 2012: Notre Dame 41, Miami 3. A neutral site game in Chicago. The Irish were dominant on their way to a BCS National Championship appearance.
- 2016: Notre Dame 30, Miami 27. A down year for both, but a nail-biter in South Bend.
- 2017: Miami 41, Notre Dame 8. The most recent game. A total "Canes" party in Miami.
The gap in games is what kills the momentum. In the 80s, you knew every October or November, the national title probably went through this game. Now, we have to wait years for a scheduled date.
The Statistical Reality
If you’re a numbers person, Notre Dame’s 18-8-1 lead is significant. However, if you look at the modern era (since 1980), the series is much tighter. In fact, since 1980, the record is closer to a split, with Miami winning most of their matchups during their championship runs in the late 80s and early 90s.
Miami fans will tell you they have five national rings since 1983, while Notre Dame only has one (1988). Irish fans will counter with their 11 consensus national titles and seven Heisman winners. It’s an argument that never ends because both sides are right about their own greatness.
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The reality of "who won" is that the home team usually has a massive advantage. Winning in South Bend in November is a nightmare for a team from the subtropics. Winning in Miami in September or October is equally brutal for a team from the Midwest. The weather and the crowd noise play a huge role in these swings.
What to Watch for in the Future
The next scheduled meeting isn't just a date on a calendar; it's a barometer for both programs. For Notre Dame, beating Miami is about maintaining their status as a top-tier independent power. For Miami, beating Notre Dame is about proving that "The U" is officially back.
When the schedule eventually aligns again, look at the quarterback play. In 2017, Malik Rosier outplayed the Irish QBs. In the 80s, it was Steve Walsh vs. Tony Rice. The winner of this game is almost always the team that avoids the catastrophic turnover—ironic, considering Miami’s love for the Turnover Chain.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you're looking to follow this rivalry or find out when they play next, here is what you need to do:
- Check the ACC-Notre Dame Scheduling Agreement: Because Notre Dame isn't a full member, their games against Miami are cycled every few years. The official ACC website usually posts these rotations three to four years in advance.
- Monitor Recruiting Rankings: These two programs often go head-to-head for the same four and five-star recruits in Florida and New Jersey. Whoever wins the recruiting trail in those states usually wins the next game on the field.
- Watch the Rankings: This game only truly "feels" like Catholics vs. Convicts when both teams are in the Top 15. If one team is struggling, the intensity is still there, but the national stakes aren't.
- Revisit the History: If you haven't seen the 30 for 30 documentary "Catholics vs. Convicts," watch it. It provides the necessary context for why a game from 1988 still dictates how these two fanbases feel about each other in 2026.
Basically, Notre Dame won the historical battle, Miami won the last battle, and the war is currently on a very long intermission.