No. 8 Notre Dame dropped to 0-2 for the season after suffering a heartbreaking 41-40 loss at home against No. 16 Texas A&M in an unforgettable match during Week 3 of college football.

Both teams showcased impressive offensive plays on Saturday night in South Bend. However, it was a late special teams error from the Irish that determined the game. After Jeremiyah Love scored a touchdown with 2:53 left in the fourth quarter, Notre Dame took a 40-34 lead. Unfortunately, backup quarterback and placeholder Tyler Buchner mishandled a perfect snap during the extra point attempt, leading to a missed opportunity for a two-point conversion and leaving the Irish’s advantage at just six points.

With under three minutes remaining in a game that featured limited defensive stops, Buchner’s fumble proved costly. As it turned out, Texas A&M swiftly advanced down the field, and on fourth down from the 11-yard line, Marcel Reed connected with Nate Boerkircher for a touchdown with only 13 seconds left on the clock. The Aggies successfully completed their extra point, clinching a 41-40 victory.

“Notre Dame fumbles the snap on the PAT! Absolutely MASSIVE for Texas A&M +6.5!” — Breton (@BretonPicks) September 14, 2025

This loss was a heart-wrenching way for the Irish to conclude the match. While Buchner’s mishap stands out, he was far from the only one at fault during Notre Dame’s defeat. The Irish’s defense faltered throughout the night, yielding a total of 488 yards. Their failure to make crucial stops, particularly on Texas A&M’s final drive, significantly contributed to this disheartening loss.

Buchner, who previously served as Notre Dame’s starting quarterback before transferring to Alabama and later returning to South Bend to play lacrosse, has endured a tumultuous college career. It will be a challenge for him to overcome the disappointment stemming from this critical misplay, especially after the Irish suffered losses in both of their significant early-season contests.