Notre Dame Hosts Stanford for Legends Trophy Rivalry Game

No. 3 Notre Dame hosts Stanford on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana, for the 40th meeting between the programs. The Fighting Irish enter at 5-0 while the Cardinal arrive at 2-3 after a 57-3 loss at Wake Forest.

According to CBS Sports, Notre Dame won 37-26 at North Carolina in its previous game, with CJ Carr completing 21 of 29 passes for 234 yards and four touchdowns. Jonaz Walton added 120 rushing yards, and the Irish have scored at least 37 points in four of five games.

Stanford enters the matchup after managing 197 total yards against Wake Forest, according to CBS Sports. The Cardinal have lost 13 consecutive road games, while Notre Dame has won the last three meetings in the series and leads the recent stretch against Stanford.

Notre Dame's offense has been led by Carr, who has thrown 13 touchdown passes through five games, according to Sports Illustrated. Stanford quarterback Davis Warren has recorded similar passing yardage but has five touchdown passes and has taken 10 sacks.

Stanford wide receiver Zion Robinson said the team remained focused after its loss at Wake Forest.

"We’ve gotten more connected, figured out what we need to do better from last weekend, and we’re ready to roll," said Zion Robinson, Stanford wide receiver.

Robinson also discussed his relationship with Warren and the quarterback's influence on him. Stanford has relied more on its passing attack this season, with the team recording 1,239 passing yards compared with 444 rushing yards, according to Stanford Daily.

"That’s my big bro," said Zion Robinson, Stanford wide receiver.

Robinson described Warren's guidance both on and off the field while preparing for Notre Dame's defense.

"preaches off and on the field … He’s been a great person to learn from in both ways," said Zion Robinson, Stanford wide receiver.

The freshman receiver said Stanford plans to take advantage of opportunities against Notre Dame's coverage schemes.

"when opportunity comes, you got to make the most of it," said Zion Robinson, Stanford wide receiver.

Stanford offensive coordinator Terry Heffernan said the team has worked to improve its rushing production and third-down performance. The Cardinal entered the game converting 34.3 percent of third downs, according to Stanford Daily.

"no stone unturned," said Terry Heffernan, Stanford offensive coordinator.

Heffernan explained that the team has challenged both runners and blockers as it tries to create more consistent gains.

"challenging [the] ball carriers to create more with the ball, our blockers to sustain," said Terry Heffernan, Stanford offensive coordinator.

Stanford has struggled to establish its run game, averaging 88.8 rushing yards per game and 2.88 yards per carry, according to 247Sports.

"we’ve got to be better on first down," said Terry Heffernan, Stanford offensive coordinator.

Heffernan identified first-down efficiency as a major focus during preparation for Notre Dame.

"that was really our focus on our Tuesday practice," said Terry Heffernan, Stanford offensive coordinator.

The rivalry has produced several Stanford upsets over Notre Dame, including a 16-14 win in South Bend in 2022. Heffernan, who was Stanford's offensive line coach during that game, reflected on playing at Notre Dame Stadium.

"It really is a fun place to play," said Terry Heffernan, Stanford offensive coordinator.