Notre Dame’s Bold New Schedule Sparks Shock and Debate Among College Football Fans

Here’s one for you: Notre Dame, that elusive football fortress, has cooked up a deal with Clemson that’s got everyone buzzing — and not just because Riley Leonard’s off-field life just made for a neat distraction. So, while the Fighting Irish remain stubbornly independent in football (still not an official ACC member), they’ve locked in a 12-year scheduling pact to face one of the ACC’s best, Clemson, every year. It’s like having your cake and wolfing it down too, picking prime matchups without diving headfirst into the madness of conference championship chaos. But here’s the kicker — this series counts as one of Notre Dame’s five annual ACC games, blurring lines and raising eyebrows: Is this the perfect balancing act or a sly loophole to keep everyone guessing? And if Clemson’s TV ratings don’t skyrocket after this, I’ll eat my hat. Fans are split between marveling at the savvy brilliance or grumbling about Notre Dame’s independent advantages. It’s a chess match for scheduling supremacy — and I’m all here for it. LEARN MORE

While Notre Dame may not be an official member of the Atlantic Coast Conference  (ACC) on the football level, the Fighting Irish have ensured that one ACC powerhouse becomes a regular on their schedule.

According to college football insider Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports, Notre Dame has reached an agreement with Clemson on a 12-year annual scheduling deal. Per the report, the series will count as one of Notre Dame’s five annual games against ACC foes. Florida State and Miami are also expected to be a part of a long-term deal.

“Notre Dame & Clemson have struck a 12-year annual football scheduling deal, sources tell @YahooSports . The series works independently of the ACC structure but does count as one of ND’s five ACC games. Irish also expected to play FSU & Miami more regularly,” Dellenger wrote.

Notre Dame & Clemson have struck a 12-year annual football scheduling deal, sources tell @YahooSports. The series works independently of the ACC structure but does count as one of ND’s five ACC games.

Irish also expected to play FSU & Miami more regularly.

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) May 6, 2025

College football fans were pretty impressed by the deal, with some noting that it will be a ratings bonanza for Clemson, while others see the benefits for Notre Dame.

“That’s the sound of Clemson’s TV ratings shooting through the roof. I’m sure that won’t fuel their wish to move out of the ACC. Those increased distributions will be more than enough. Won’t it?” one user remarked.

“Just continue to let ND be in the league without actually being in the league. All the benefits, none of the downside,” a Wake Forest fan noted.

“Every move made across the landscape these days gives the Irish more reason to remain Independent well into the 2030s. They have everything they want: Good games, good TV deal and manageable CFP access,” a third wrote.

“Clemson needs this much more than Notre Dame does, so it’s a savvy move by (Clemson athletic director) Graham Neff. Also allows ND to boost SOS while remaining independent. Let’s see if they actually play all 12.”

Notre Dame is one of only two independent football programs but has been the most prestigious by far for generations. 

A move like this allows the Fighting Irish to eat their cake and have it, picking and choosing the opponents they like in every conference, without having to endure the nail-biting end-of-season conference championship games that have torpedoed so many national title contenders.

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