Two rebuilt teams cross the Atlantic for this morning's 9:30 a.m. ET opener in Rome, where Villanova is laying 7.5 against Notre Dame.
My Notre Dame vs. Villanova prediction hinges on a glaring physical mismatch and a pace profile that could shape the game from the opening tip.
Find out why in my college basketball picks below.
top pick
Notre Dame vs Villanova Over/Under pick: Under 147.5
The Under 147.5, down to 144.5, is my favorite pick in this game.
Both teams have four new starters, and now these rebuilt offenses have to open the season on another continent, on a neutral court with unfamiliar sightlines. Offensive chemistry takes time. Defense can gel faster with effort and communication.
The Fighting Irish lost their three leading scorers, while the Wildcats will be without returning starting forward Matthew Hodge as he recovers from a torn ACL.
Head coach Kevin Willard also said Villanova "can be a much tougher, better rebounding team". Adding 6-foot-10 Oregon transfer Kwame Evans Jr. and 7-foot-3 freshman Luigi Suigo should help Willard accomplish exactly that.
Give me defense and rebounding before offensive continuity catches up.
COVERS INTEL: Per KenPom, Villanova ranked 294th nationally in adjusted tempo last season, while Notre Dame finished 260th after ranking 313th and 336th in head coach Micah Shrewsberry’s first two seasons. Neither program has shown much interest in turning games into track meets.
Notre Dame vs Villanova prediction: Villanova -7.5
I'll take the Villanova Wildcats -7.5, up to -8.5.
Villanova is the bigger team, which should help the Wildcats protect the paint and control the glass. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have more shooting, but size usually travels better than shooting, especially on a neutral floor.
The power ratings agree with the talent gap. KenPom, Bart Torvik, and Evan Miya all have Villanova roughly 50 spots ahead of Notre Dame.
The Wildcats also return leading scorer Tyler Perkins, last year's Big East Most Improved Player, and added Ohio State transfer Devin Royal, who averaged 13.7 points and 5.7 rebounds last season.
Villanova simply has more size, proven production, and top-end talent.
Notre Dame vs Villanova combo
I’m expecting Villanova to dictate the terms from the opening tip.
The Wildcats don’t need this game to turn into a track meet to create separation. If they control the pace, stay patient offensively, and force Notre Dame to grind through half-court possessions, both legs fit the same script.
Villanova can build a lead steadily without dragging the total up.
Give me the better team to cover the number while the game stays slow, physical, and comfortably below 147.5.
Notre Dame vs Villanova combo
- Villanova -7.5
- Under 147.5
- Top picks: 0-0, 0 units
- Combos: 0-0, 0 units
- Props: 0-0, 0 units
Notre Dame vs Villanova odds
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Spread: Notre Dame +7.5 | Villanova -7.5
- Over/Under: Over 147.5 | Under 147.5
- Moneyline: Notre Dame 26% | Villanova 75%
For the full slate of college basketball matchups, check out our college basketball odds board!
Notre Dame vs Villanova trend
The Under has cashed in the Fighting Irish's last five neutral-site games. Find more college basketball betting trends.
How to watch Notre Dame vs Villanova
| Location | Palazzo dello Sport, Rome, Italy |
| Date | Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026 |
| Tip off | 9:30 a.m. ET |
| TV | FOX |
Notre Dame vs Villanova latest injuries
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