Get ready for an electrifying basketball showdown! Notre Dame and Butler are set to clash in a highly anticipated exhibition game this Friday night, kicking off an exciting season for both teams.
The game tips off at 7 p.m., marking the return of Notre Dame to the court after a promising off-season. This exhibition is the first of two for the Fighting Irish, with the second scheduled for the following week against DePaul, another formidable Big East rival.
Notre Dame's Rising Stars
Notre Dame enters this season with high expectations, especially in the third year of Micah Shrewsberry's coaching tenure. All eyes are on junior guard Markus Burton, a local hero from Mishawaka, who is poised for a breakout year. With over 1,00. points scored and an impressive 17+ points per game average in his first two seasons, Burton's talent is undeniable. His recent selection to the 2025-26 Preseason All-ACC First Team further solidifies his status as a rising star.
Burton's backcourt partner, Braeden Shrewsberry, is equally impressive, having consistently scored double digits in his first two seasons. The duo's experience is bolstered by the arrival of Jalen Haralson, a five-star recruit and one of Notre Dame's highest-ranked signings ever. Haralson, ranked 19th in the 2025 class by ESPN, leads a stellar freshman class that also includes four-star recruits Brady Koehler, Ryder Frost, and Tommy Ahneman, making it the ninth-ranked recruiting class in the nation.
Adding to the team's depth is Carson Towt, a transfer from Northern Arizona, who brings much-needed front-court presence. Towt, a fifth-year senior, led the nation in rebounding last year, averaging 12.4 per game. He'll be a force to reckon with alongside Kebba Njie, a 6-foot-10 forward entering his senior season. The team also has faith in sophomores Sir Mohammed, Garrett Sundra, and Cole Certa, who all showed promise as freshmen. But who will make the starting five? And which players will shine in this first test? Only time will tell.
Butler's Fresh Start
Meanwhile, Butler is entering the fourth year of their second stint under coach Thad Matta, aiming to build on last April's College Basketball Crown appearance. Despite missing the NCAA Tournament in their first three seasons back in Indianapolis, the Bulldogs are determined to bounce back. The team's fans are eager for success, having not seen their team in the NCAA Tournament for almost eight years.
Butler has revamped their roster with ESPN's 25th-ranked recruiting class and five transfers. The 2025 class features four-star recruits Jack McCaffery, son of Iowa's legendary coach Fran McCaffery, and local talent Azavier 'Stink' Robinson. The transfer class is led by Michael Ajayi from Gonzaga and Yohan Traore, a journeyman player with experience at four schools in as many years, most recently SMU. Other notable transfers include Drayton Jones, Jalen Jackson, and Yame Butler.
These new additions will join forces with returning junior Finley Bizjack, who averaged 10.3 points per game last season, and sophomore Jamie Kaiser Jr., who had a standout freshman year at Maryland before transferring to Butler. With the Big East potentially offering fewer NCAA Tournament bids this year, Butler has a real chance to make a surprise run.
Unfortunately, the exhibition game won't be broadcast or streamed, but fans can tune in to WSBT radio for live coverage with Conor Clingen. Tickets are also available for purchase online.
And here's the twist: With both teams boasting impressive rosters and high hopes, which side will prove their worth in this early-season matchup? Will Notre Dame's star-studded lineup dominate, or will Butler's fresh talent surprise everyone? Comment below with your predictions and let the debate begin!
