Get ready for a thrilling showdown as Notre Dame and Butler clash in a highly anticipated exhibition game this Friday night at 7 p.m. But here’s where it gets exciting: this isn’t just any preseason matchup—it’s a glimpse into two programs at pivotal moments, each with something to prove. For Notre Dame, this marks the first of two exhibition games, with the second set to tip off in South Bend against DePaul. And this is the part most people miss: while the Irish are buzzing with optimism, there are still plenty of unanswered questions that only time—and games like this—can resolve.
Notre Dame: A Season of High Hopes and Uncertain Answers
As the Micah Shrewsberry era enters its critical third year, South Bend is buzzing with excitement. 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 controversial part: can Burton elevate his game to lead the Irish to postseason success, or will he remain a stats-driven standout without team trophies to match?
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’re joined by one of Notre Dame’s highest-profile recruits, five-star Jalen Haralson, ranked 19th in the class of 2025 by ESPN. Haralson headlines a loaded freshman class that includes four-star recruits Brady Koehler, Ryder Frost, and Tommy Ahneman, earning the Irish the ninth-ranked recruiting class in the nation. And this is where it gets even more intriguing: Northern Arizona transfer Carson Towt brings much-needed front-court physicality, having led the nation in rebounding (12.4 per game) last season. He’ll pair with 6-foot-10 senior 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 year. With so much talent, the question remains: who will crack the starting five, and who will step up on Friday night?
Butler: A Program at a Crossroads
For the Butler Bulldogs, this is year four of the second Thad Matta era—and it’s a make-or-break season. Despite falling short of the NCAA Tournament in Matta’s first three years, there’s cautious optimism in Indianapolis. The Bulldogs are looking to build on their College Basketball Crown appearance last April, a feat that has fans dreaming of a return to March Madness after nearly eight years. But here’s the bold question: can Matta finally deliver on the promise of his return, or will this season be another missed opportunity?
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, alongside journeyman Yohan Traore, who’s now on his fourth team in as many years. Other transfers include Drayton Jones (South Carolina State), Jalen Jackson (Purdue Fort Wayne), and Yame Butler (Drexel). These newcomers join junior Finley Bizjack, who averaged 10.3 points per game last season, and sophomore Jamie Kaiser Jr., a former Maryland standout who redshirted last year due to injury. And this is the part that could spark debate: in a year where the Big East might be less dominant, could Butler emerge as a surprise contender, or will they once again fall short of expectations?
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. So, here’s the question for you: Which team do you think has more to prove on Friday night—Notre Dame with its star-studded roster, or Butler with its high-stakes rebuild? Let us know in the comments!
