In the 1920s, Notre Dame made a significant effort to join what would become the Big Ten conference, but was blocked by Michigan's athletic director, leading to the Fighting Irish remaining an independent entity in college athletics. Despite not being part of a mega-conference, Notre Dame has reaped financial benefits from its independence. For instance, by reaching the College Football Playoff semifinals, Notre Dame has pocketed the entire $14 million earned, unlike teams from conferences that split the revenue.
Notre Dame's independence has also allowed the team to maintain a unique schedule, playing traditional rivals like USC, Army, Navy, and Stanford, along with agreements to face Atlantic Coast Conference teams regularly. This approach, which dates back to the team's exclusion from the Big Ten, has helped Notre Dame establish itself as a national program with a diverse recruiting base.
Television deals have played a crucial role in shaping Notre Dame's football future. In 1991, the Fighting Irish secured a landmark deal with NBC, setting a precedent for individual team agreements that have since become common in college football. Despite the trend towards mega-conferences and the recent introduction of a 12-team playoff format, Notre Dame has maintained its independence and brand strength, securing a spot in the playoff mix.
While Notre Dame's independence offers advantages such as flexibility in scheduling and TV rights, it also presents challenges. The team cannot compete for a conference championship or earn a bye in the playoff, relying on its brand and financial resources to stay competitive. With one of the nation's largest football budgets, Notre Dame emphasizes the positives of independence to recruits and remains committed to its unique position in college football.
As college football continues to evolve, discussions around standardization and conference alignment persist. Some voices, like Penn State's coach, advocate for all teams to be part of a conference for playoff selection consistency. However, Notre Dame's coach remains steadfast in the team's independence, viewing it as a point of pride and differentiation. Despite potential future changes in college football, Notre Dame is prepared to adapt while preserving its distinctive status in the sport.
