In 2025, the landscape of college football will see a significant shift, with only two FBS schools remaining Independent: UConn and Notre Dame. For the Fighting Irish, this independence is more than just a status; it’s woven into the very fabric of their identity. Head coach Marcus Freeman believes that this unique position offers a range of benefits that set Notre Dame apart from the rest.
Freeman’s Positive Perspective on Independence
Despite the criticisms that often accompany Notre Dame’s Independent status, Freeman remains steadfast in his belief that it is a positive attribute. He emphasizes the opportunity it provides to play a diverse range of teams across the country. “I view it as a pro and we’ll continue to look at it that way unless something changes,” Freeman stated. This perspective allows the Irish to showcase their talent from coast to coast, facing off against teams from multiple conferences.
He elaborated on the unique experience, saying, “You started off the season in College Station. You ended the season in LA, and we’re in New York twice. So, we get to really view our program as global in terms of a national program.” With the recent additions of UCLA and USC to the Big Ten, Freeman argues that the landscape of college football is evolving, making Notre Dame’s Independent status less of an outlier.
Challenges of Independence
However, being Independent does come with its challenges. In the current College Football Playoff format, Notre Dame cannot earn a first-round bye because they are not a conference champion. This limitation is a significant hurdle, but it doesn’t deter the Irish. “We know we can’t play in a championship game and we can’t have a first-round bye,” Freeman acknowledged. “But we continue to use not playing week 13 as our bye, and that’s the way we view it.”
Freeman also hinted at the financial advantages of remaining Independent, suggesting that there are benefits in terms of TV deals and revenue that come with this status. “In terms of the finances and the TV deals, I’m sure that Pete Bevacqua can go into further details about that, but, obviously, I’m sure that’s another positive that we view being independent provides us,” he added.
James Franklin’s Call for Consistency
At a recent joint press conference for the Orange Bowl, Penn State head coach James Franklin voiced his concerns about the current state of college football, particularly regarding the Independent status of teams like Notre Dame. “I think it should be consistent across college football,” he stated, advocating for all teams to belong to a conference. Franklin’s comments sparked a discussion about fairness and competitiveness in the sport.
He elaborated, “Again, this is no knock at Coach or Notre Dame, but I think everybody should be in a conference. I think everybody should play a conference championship game or no one should play a conference championship game.” Franklin’s experience in both the SEC and Big Ten gives him a unique perspective on the challenges of differing conference structures.
The ACC Connection
Adding another layer to Notre Dame’s Independent status is their agreement with the ACC. The Irish play five games each season against ACC opponents, while other sports, like basketball, are fully integrated into that conference. This arrangement allows Notre Dame to maintain a competitive edge while still enjoying the benefits of independence. However, this deal also includes stipulations that could force the Irish to join the ACC if they were to seek conference membership in the future.
In 2020, Notre Dame briefly joined the ACC and even made a run for the ACC Championship. This experience showcased their ability to compete at a high level within a conference, but Freeman insists that their Independent status is still a selling point for recruits and players alike. “But again, we view being independent as a positive thing, and we sell it to our recruits and our players as a positive thing,” he affirmed.
The Future of College Football
As college football continues to evolve, the debate surrounding Independence versus conference membership is likely to intensify. With the landscape shifting, and teams like UCLA and USC joining the Big Ten, the traditional notions of conference alignment are being challenged. Will Notre Dame’s Independent status continue to be a strength, or will it become a liability in the ever-competitive world of college football?
Freeman’s unwavering belief in the benefits of being Independent reflects a broader sentiment among many in the college football community: that the traditions and unique identities of programs should be celebrated. As the Irish prepare for the future, they do so with a commitment to their values and a vision that embraces the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
In this dynamic world of college football, one thing is clear: the Fighting Irish will continue to carve their own path, regardless of the noise around them. With Freeman at the helm, Notre Dame remains poised to showcase its storied program on a national stage, proving that independence can indeed be a powerful asset.
