Get ready, college basketball fans! Notre Dame and Butler are set to clash this Friday night in a highly anticipated exhibition game. This isn't just any scrimmage; it's a sneak peek at what these teams are bringing to the court this season, and the stakes are higher than you might think. This is the first of two exhibition matches for Notre Dame, with their second game scheduled a week later against DePaul.
Notre Dame: A Season of High Hopes
As the Micah Shrewsberry era enters its crucial third year, the Fighting Irish are brimming with optimism. Leading the charge is junior guard Markus Burton, who is poised for a potentially career-defining season. His achievements in his first two years are undeniable. He has scored over 1,000 points and averaged more than 17 points per game in each of his first two seasons. Burton was also recently named to the 2025-26 Preseason All-ACC First Team.
Burton will be joined in the backcourt by his junior teammate, Braeden Shrewsberry, who has averaged double-digit points in each of his first two seasons for the Irish. Adding to the team's strength is Jalen Haralson, a five-star recruit and one of the highest-ranked players Notre Dame has signed. Ranked 19th in the class of 2025 by ESPN, Haralson is a key player in a loaded class for the Irish. Brady Koehler, Ryder Frost, and Tommy Ahneman, all four-star recruits, complete the ESPN's ninth-ranked recruiting class in the country.
But here's where it gets interesting: Northern Arizona transfer Carson Towt brings much-needed front-court physicality. As a fifth-year senior, he led the nation in rebounding, averaging 12.4 per game last year. Towt will play alongside Kebba Njie, a 6-foot-10 forward, entering his senior season. Sophomores Sir Mohammed, Garrett Sundra, and Cole Certa, who all saw playing time as freshmen, are also expected to make a significant impact. It's anyone's guess who will make the starting five, but it will be exciting to see who shines on Friday night. Despite the excitement, there are still many unanswered questions.
Butler: Reloading for a Strong Comeback
The Butler Bulldogs are entering year four of the second Thad Matta era, and it's a pivotal one. They're hoping to build on their College Basketball Crown appearance last April. While Matta and his staff haven't made the NCAA Tournament in their first three seasons, Bulldogs fans are hopeful, especially considering their team's last NCAA Tournament appearance was nearly eight years ago.
The roster has been completely revamped with ESPN’s 25th-ranked recruiting class and five transfers. The 2025 class includes four-star recruits Jack McCaffery and Azavier “Stink” Robinson. Michael Ajayi, a Gonzaga transfer, leads Butler’s 2025 transfer class, along with Yohan Traore, who is 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).
These newcomers will join junior Finley Bizjack, who averaged 10.3 points per game last year, and sophomore Jamie Kaiser Jr., who had a strong freshman season at Maryland before transferring to Butler and redshirting last year due to an ankle injury. With the Big East potentially having fewer NCAA Tournament bids this year, the Bulldogs could be a surprise contender.
What to Expect and How to Watch
Unfortunately, the exhibition game won't be streamed or broadcast. However, you can catch the live coverage on WSBT radio with Conor Clingen. Tickets are available for purchase online.
And this is the part most people miss... With both teams undergoing significant changes, this exhibition is more than just a warm-up. It's a test of strategy, teamwork, and individual talent.
Controversy & Comment Hooks: What do you think? Will Notre Dame's returning stars and new recruits lead them to a successful season? Or will Butler's revamped roster surprise everyone? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
