Notre Dame football has always been known for going its own way. While most of its sports play in the ACC and men’s hockey plays in the Big Ten, the football program remains fully independent. This independence has been part of the school’s identity for decades. But with the expanded College Football Playoff (CFP) now in place, the question becomes more important than ever: Would Notre Dame benefit from finally joining a conference? Many signs point to yes.
Notre Dame’s Long History of Independence
Notre Dame has held onto football independence because it gives them freedom. They can build their own schedule, play traditional rivals, and control their national TV deal with NBC. Independence has also helped Notre Dame protect its brand, which is known across the country.
But college football is changing quickly. Conferences are growing larger, media deals are shifting, and the path to the playoff keeps evolving. Staying independent now comes with more challenges than before.
How Conference Teams Have an Easier Path to the Playoff
The new 12-team CFP format rewards conference champions in a big way. The highest-ranked conference champions get the top four seeds and a first-round bye. That means they avoid the early playoff games and head straight into the quarterfinals.
Notre Dame, however, cannot earn a first-round bye because they are not in a conference. Even if Notre Dame went undefeated and finished No. 1 in the country, they would still have to play in the first round. That puts them at a disadvantage from the start.
Conference teams also have a clearer road to the playoff. They know they can lose a tough game early in the year but still make the playoff by winning their conference title. Notre Dame doesn’t get that safety net. Every loss hits harder, especially late in the season, because there is no championship game to redeem themselves.
Why Joining the ACC or Big Ten Makes the Most Sense
If Notre Dame ever chooses to join a conference, the ACC and Big Ten are the most realistic options. They already have strong ties with the ACC where they play at least five ACC teams each season and most of their non-football sports already compete there. Moving football into the ACC would give them stability and a direct path to a conference championship.
The Big Ten is another logical choice. They are already part of the conference in men’s hockey, and the Big Ten’s football strength, money, and national exposure could match Notre Dame’s goals. Historic rivalries with Michigan State, Purdue, and Michigan would also fit naturally into a Big Ten schedule.
Why a Conference Move Helps Notre Dame in the Long Run
Joining a conference does not take away from Notre Dame’s identity or tradition. Instead, it gives them a better chance to compete for national titles in today’s college football landscape. The playoff rules reward conference champions, and Notre Dame would no longer be fighting uphill simply because they are independent.
Notre Dame will always be one of the biggest names in college football. But if they want the clearest, easiest path to championships in the modern era, choosing a conference may finally be the smart move.
More college football news:
- SN's expert College Football Playoff bracket predictions
- Predictions for all 41 college football bowl games in 2025-26
- Notre Dame leads biggest snubs from College Football Playoff
- Ranking the 2025 College Football Playoff teams 1-12
- Full list of locations for 2025 College Football Playoff games