The matchup between No. 2 Notre Dame and No. 8 BYU took a turn very early on, as Fighting Irish star defensive end Boubacar Traore was ejected for targeting on the first drive of the game.
Traore was thrown out just five plays into the game, after a helmet-first hit on BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier. He was initially flagged for roughing the passer, but officials ruled that it was targeting after review; his ejection occurred just two and a half minutes into the game.
Video replay showed Traore hit Bachmeier in the face with the crown of his helmet, constituting clear targeting. Bachmeier’s head snapped back from the contact, but he stayed in the game, seemingly unhurt.
Notre Dame EDGE Boubacar Traore was ejected against BYU for targeting less than 3 minutes into the game.
— Underdog CFB (@UnderdogCFB) October 17, 2026
This is the hit that led to the ejection: pic.twitter.com/Ecp2Y6sLVZ
Traore’s roughing the passer penalty gave BYU 15 yards. Bachmeier then led the Cougars down the field for a first-drive touchdown to open the scoring.
This story will be updated.