Get ready for a thrilling showdown as Notre Dame and Butler clash in a highly anticipated exhibition game this Friday night, marking the beginning of what promises to be an electrifying basketball season. But here’s where it gets controversial: While both teams are loaded with talent, the real question is whether this matchup will set the tone for a breakthrough year or expose lingering weaknesses. Let’s dive in.
At 7 p.m. on Friday, Notre Dame’s basketball team will take the court against the Butler Bulldogs in their first exhibition game of the season. This is just the start for the Irish, who will face another Big East rival, DePaul, in South Bend a week later. And this is the part most people miss: These exhibition games aren’t just warm-ups—they’re a chance to see how new lineups and strategies hold up under pressure.
Notre Dame: A Squad Brimming with Potential
As Notre Dame enters the pivotal third year under Coach Micah Shrewsberry, excitement is buzzing in South Bend. Leading the charge is junior guard Markus Burton, a Mishawaka native poised for a potentially career-defining season. Burton’s resume is already impressive: he’s surpassed 1,000 career points and averaged over 17 points per game in each of his first two seasons. His recent selection to the 2025-26 Preseason All-ACC First Team only adds to the hype. But here’s the bold take: Can Burton elevate his game to lead the Irish to postseason success, or will he remain a stellar individual performer on a team that falls short?
Burton isn’t alone in the backcourt. His junior counterpart, Braeden Shrewsberry, has consistently delivered double-digit scoring in his first two seasons. Together, they form an experienced duo complemented by one of Notre Dame’s highest-ranked recruits ever: five-star Jalen Haralson, the 19th-ranked player in the class of 2025. Haralson headlines a loaded freshman class that includes four-star recruits Brady Koehler, Ryder Frost, and Tommy Ahneman, earning ESPN’s ninth-ranked recruiting class in the nation.
Adding to the roster is Northern Arizona transfer Carson Towt, a fifth-year senior who led the nation in rebounding (12.4 per game) last season. Towt’s physicality in the frontcourt will be crucial, especially alongside 6-foot-10 senior forward Kebba Njie, who followed Coach Shrewsberry from Penn State. Sophomores Sir Mohammed, Garrett Sundra, and Cole Certa are also expected to make a bigger impact after gaining experience last season. The burning question: With so much talent, who will crack the starting five, and who will step up as the X-factor on Friday night?
Butler: A Team on the Verge of Redemption
Meanwhile, the Butler Bulldogs are entering the fourth year of Coach Thad Matta’s second stint, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Despite missing the NCAA Tournament in Matta’s first three seasons, Butler fans are hopeful, especially after last April’s College Basketball Crown appearance. But here’s the counterpoint: Can Matta finally deliver a Tournament berth, or will the Bulldogs remain on the outside looking in?
Butler’s roster has been overhauled with ESPN’s 25th-ranked recruiting class and five key transfers. The 2025 class features four-star recruits Jack McCaffery, son of Iowa coaching legend Fran McCaffery, and Indianapolis standout Azavier “Stink” Robinson. Leading the transfer class is Gonzaga’s Michael Ajayi, joined by Yohan Traore, a well-traveled player making his fourth stop in as many years, most recently from SMU. Other transfers include Drayton Jones (South Carolina State), Jalen Jackson (Purdue Fort Wayne), and Yame Butler (Drexel).
Returning players like 6-foot-4 junior Finley Bizjack, who averaged 10.3 points per game last season, and 6-foot-6 sophomore Jamie Kaiser Jr., a Maryland transfer who redshirted last year due to injury, will play pivotal roles. The wildcard: In a Big East season where NCAA Tournament bids may be fewer than usual, could Butler emerge as a surprise contender?
While the exhibition game won’t be streamed or broadcast, WSBT radio will provide live coverage with Conor Clingen on air. Tickets are available online for those eager to witness this early-season showdown firsthand.
Final Thought-Provoking Question: With both teams boasting revamped rosters and high expectations, which side do you think will make the bigger statement this season? Will it be Notre Dame’s star-studded lineup or Butler’s mix of fresh talent and experienced transfers? Let us know in the comments!
