![]() Firstly, the USC move was a major domino, but there are more to fall. However, there are a few keys to when they might make a decision. Realistically, nobody really knows the answer to this. ![]() If the Big 10 negotiates a new media deal without adding Notre Dame, they will hold some leverage in the situation. If they want to negotiate a deal on their terms, it’s probably best to move sooner than later. In a world of conference realignment that will shape the future of the game, everyone wants the Irish. They’re arguably the biggest brand in college football and definitely the biggest unattached brand. Right now, Notre Dame holds plenty of leverage. How long does Notre Dame hold leverage in conference realignment discussion? Add in a potential partnership with the Pac-12, which could bring Stanford into the fold, and the ACC becomes a more realistic option. And with Boston College, Clemson, Florida State, and Miami, there are both historical and emerging rivals for the Irish. However, the conference continues to offer as good an option for Notre Dame’s non-football sports as any. This seems less and less likely as the ACC hasn’t made any moves. The SEC has a lot of work to do before they’re really an attractive option for the Irish. For the Irish to commit to the SEC gauntlet and maintain their rivalries, it’s almost an impossible task. However, the SEC, as strong as it is, doesn’t currently offer a truly national collection of programs, having only just expanded with Texas and Oklahoma. The SEC doesn’t offer soccer, and they’re a downgrade to the ACC in most other sports outside baseball.Īnd then, there’s the lack of geographic fit, although that appears to be not much of a priority in this evolving conference landscape. However, outside of that, the Irish would almost certainly have to leave the Big 10 in hockey, and the ACC in other sports. It does put Notre Dame in undoubtedly the strongest conference (currently) on the gridiron. The SEC is not exactly a natural fit for Notre Dame. Illinois, or pretty much any Big 10 program. Duke in basketball is more enticing to fans and viewers than Notre Dame vs. Baseball comes to mind, but name value in the Big 10 for other sports, particularly basketball, is less valuable. ![]() In other sports, the Big 10 is a bit of a downgrade on the ACC. That would give Notre Dame 11 Power-5 games a season and a tricky Navy game, producing an absolute gauntlet of a schedule. They’d likely want to maintain their series with Stanford, Navy, and Boston College. Although the Irish would get USC as a conference game, that leaves Notre Dame just three non-conference games. For one, the Big 10 plays a nine-game conference schedule. And the conference boasts strong programs in soccer, lacrosse, fencing, volleyball, and other sports, providing the athletic versatility that Notre Dame would require if they join the parade of conference realignment. Beyond football, Notre Dame is already in the Big 10 for hockey. That’s certainly appealing for the Irish. Speaking of rivalries, the Irish could also resurrect longstanding rivalries with Michigan, Purdue, Michigan State, and even Penn State. Let’s look at various options for the Irish. As conference realignment continues, Notre Dame is a crucial potential asset for any conference. Additionally, Notre Dame has the brand value to keep any conference relevant in this modern era. Notre Dame is one of the top football teams in the country on the gridiron, and they’re one of the most well-rounded athletic programs in the nation. So how does this affect Notre Dame? On the macro level, it’s pretty obvious everybody wants the Irish in their conference. Will the ACC and Pac-12 merge? Will the Big 12 look to get up towards the 16-team mark by adding from the Pac-12? Is the Big 10 done making moves or will they keep looking to expand their collection of programs from coast to coast? Notre Dame’s Decision To Make They’ll have 14 teams, the Big 12 will actually have 12. The ACC has thus far not made any moves, neither expanding nor losing teams to other conferences. Once all the current dominoes fall, the Big 10 and the SEC will each have 16 teams. That brought the Pac-12 down to 10 teams, and the Big 10 up to 16. But to recap, USC and UCLA shocked the world by joining the Big 10. Everyone’s generally followed the crazy conference realignment news that took over the college football world.
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