DANIA BEACH, Fla. — A mix of historical rivalry, religious undertones, and perhaps, a general dislike for Notre Dame has shaped the university’s long-standing independence in college football. This dates back to the 1920s when Notre Dame made a significant effort to join what would eventually evolve into the Big Ten Conference. However, their aspirations were thwarted by Michigan’s athletic director, who opposed their inclusion. Since that time, the Irish have retained their status as an independent team, a rarity in an era increasingly dominated by major athletic conferences.
Their recent performance, culminating in a thrilling 27-24 victory over Penn State, has propelled Notre Dame into the College Football Playoff championship game. Unlike Penn State, which will have to share its semifinal earnings of $14 million, Notre Dame will retain all of the revenue from the playoffs. They are also on track to receive an additional $12 million beginning in 2026, solely based on their independent status, which they won’t have to share with any conference.
John Heisler, a veteran sports information director and author on Notre Dame’s history, expressed that for many associated with the university, independence is what sets them apart and is something they’re not willing to forgo.
The relationship between Notre Dame and the Big Ten has been tumultuous. The university sought entry into the forthcoming Big Nine as early as 1899, and though they were overlooked for Iowa and Indiana, they attempted another bid in 1926 when legendary coach Knute Rockne was at the helm. This time, Fielding Yost, Michigan’s athletic director, actively prevented their inclusion, influenced either by anti-Catholic sentiments or a personal rivalry with Rockne. As a result, Notre Dame and Michigan, located relatively close to each other, didn’t face off for over three decades.
Being independent has allowed Notre Dame to cultivate a national presence. The team has maintained longstanding matchups against schools like USC, Army, and Navy, while more recently, they established ties with the Atlantic Coast Conference, scheduling five games against its teams each season. Unlike previous decades when many schools were independent, Notre Dame’s strategy to recruit students and players nationwide allows them to compete broadly rather than being constrained to a regional identity.
Television contracts have played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of college football, particularly for Notre Dame. For years, the team thrived alongside other famous independents like Miami and Florida State. In the 1970s, Notre Dame joined the College Football Association to capitalize on TV deals. By 1991, they struck a landmark contract with NBC, a move that significantly influenced the sport’s financial trajectory.
As mega-conferences developed and redefined college football — exemplified by the SEC’s expansion and the introduction of a championship game — Notre Dame has steadfastly navigated this evolving landscape, thanks, in part, to its successful NBC deal that continues through 2029. Despite not securing a national title since 1988, their brand remains powerful enough to keep them in the playoff conversation.
However, one drawback of remaining independent is the lack of a conference championship, which could provide a more accessible route to playoff seeding, including potential byes for conference champions. Moreover, with the lucrative media rights deals in play for major conferences, Notre Dame’s substantial football budget of about $72 million per year underscores their need to maximize revenue opportunities to stay competitive.
“We view being independent as a positive thing,” said coach Marcus Freeman. “We market it that way to our recruits. While we understand the challenges, like missing out on byes, we treat our absence in Week 13 as a different sort of advantage.”
As college football faces further changes, the dialogue around the playoff system and conference structure continues. At a recent press conference, Penn State’s coach James Franklin emphasized the importance of uniformity across college football to help the playoff selection committee compare teams more effectively.
Freeman, however, noted that he doesn’t share such strong views about the necessity for Notre Dame to conform to conference norms. “We value our independence,” he affirmed, stating that if regulations sought to strip them of that freedom, they would find a way to adapt.
