The entire conference realignment process appears to be in a holding pattern while Notre Dame figures out what it wants to do moving forward. Perceived as the next biggest domino to fall in the world of realignment, Notre Dame is the one school remaining that could cherrypick its future conference home if the leaders in charge ultimately decide the time is now to abandon its beloved football independence. The Big Ten makes the most sense, according to ESPN college football analyst Paul Finebaum.
“I think Notre Dame will end up in the Big Ten if they go somewhere because it makes too much sense,” Finebeum said in an interview with Greg McElroy during SEC media days last week. “I don’t know what the history is with Knute Rockne and Fielding Yost and things that happened even before I was born. We’re talking 100 years ago, more than 100 years ago. But it’s time.”
Finebaum believes Notre Dame would be a perfect fit to join the SEC but feels Notre Dame’s history blends naturally with the Big Ten. Notre Dame has historic rivalries with Michigan, Michigan State, and future Big Ten member USC. Notre Dame playing games against Ohio State and Penn State would also make for great scheduling opportunities for the Big Ten and the Irish.
The Big Ten’s expansion with USC and UCLA is bringing the total full-time membership up to 16 members effective in 2024. The timeline is important because Notre Dame is looking into its next media rights deal, as is the Big Ten. Notre Dame’s current deal expires in 2025. The Big Ten’s new deal is going to begin in 2023.
Notre Dame is already a Big Ten member in ice hockey.
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