As the college football world embarks on a new era with the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff, one of the sport’s most iconic brands finds itself at a crossroads. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish, long known for their cherished independence, now face questions about how they will fit into the evolving postseason landscape. But if you ask Fighting Irish athletic director Pete Bevacqua, Notre Dame’s stance remains unchanged – the school has no plans to join a conference anytime soon.
Speaking to reporters at the CFP National Championship Game media day in Atlanta, Bevacqua made it clear that Notre Dame is comfortable with its current arrangement, even if it means potentially missing out on certain playoff perks like first-round byes. Under the new format, the top four seeds – reserved for the highest-ranked conference champions – earn a bye into the quarterfinals, while independents like Notre Dame would have to play their way through an extra round.
“We’re comfortable that if conference championship games continue as they’re currently configured, part of the deal we made is that we wouldn’t get a bye, and that’s understandable,” Bevacqua explained. “And quite frankly, I wouldn’t trade that [first round] Indiana game at Notre Dame Stadium for anything in the world.”
– Pete Bevacqua, Notre Dame Athletic Director
The Fate of Conference Title Games
However, Bevacqua did leave the door open for Notre Dame to reevaluate its stance if there are significant changes to how conference championship games are structured in the future. Some have suggested eliminating or modifying the title games to create a more equitable path for independents like Notre Dame.
“Should [conference championship games] go away? And that’s obviously not my decision. Should they be altered in some sort of material way where it’s not the top two teams playing for a championship, but something else? Then I think we absolutely have to re-look at Notre Dame’s ability to get a bye if we end up being one of the top four teams.”
– Pete Bevacqua
As one of the 10 FBS commissioners and the Notre Dame AD who comprise the CFP Management Committee, Bevacqua will have a voice in any potential changes to the playoff format. The group is set to meet to review the inaugural 12-team playoff and discuss possible tweaks for the 2025 season, though major structural changes are viewed as unlikely given the need for unanimous approval.
The Seeding Question
One area where Notre Dame could see a more level playing field is with the playoff seeding process. There have been discussions about awarding the top four seeds to the selection committee’s four highest-ranked teams overall, regardless of conference affiliation. This would potentially allow a highly-ranked Notre Dame squad to earn a first-round bye without having to join a conference.
CFP executive director Bill Hancock acknowledged that seeding changes are on the table for the management committee to consider, saying there is a chance alterations could be agreed upon for the 2025 season. However, any major changes like adjusting the bracket size are unlikely for next year, as they would require more lead time to implement.
The Independence Debate
Notre Dame’s fierce commitment to independence has been a hallmark of the program for decades, but the rapidly shifting landscape of college football has led some to question whether remaining unaffiliated is in the school’s best long-term interest. The increased emphasis on conference strength and the potential competitive disadvantages independents could face in the playoff era have fueled speculation that Notre Dame may eventually need to join a league.
However, the Irish have consistently pushed back against the notion that their independence is unsustainable. Notre Dame’s unique brand, strong academic reputation, and ability to craft its own schedule have allowed it to remain relevant and successful despite the changing tides of college athletics.
“The main reasons that Notre Dame remains independent are the unique reach of our university, our historical success and financial stability as an independent, and what we believe to be a differentiating characteristic from other universities,” – Jack Swarbrick
Notre Dame Athletic Director, 2022 Senate Testimony
The Path Forward
As the college football postseason enters uncharted territory, Notre Dame finds itself at a pivotal moment. The school’s resolute belief in its independent identity will be tested like never before as the sport’s power dynamics continue to shift in favor of conferences.
For now, the Fighting Irish remain steadfast in their desire to forge their own path, even if it means facing a steeper climb to reach the playoff mountaintop. But as the new era of the CFP unfolds, Notre Dame will undoubtedly keep a close eye on the evolving landscape, ready to adapt if necessary to ensure its place among college football’s elite.
The coming years will reveal much about the sustainability of Notre Dame’s cherished independence in the age of playoff expansion and conference realignment. As the sport continues to transform at a breakneck pace, the Fighting Irish’s unwavering commitment to tradition will be put to the ultimate test.
