Notre Dame Football Unlikely to Join Broken ACC Conference

The Fighting Irish have thrived as an independent program and shouldn't join a dysfunctional conference system just to appease fans.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Notre Dame football's status as an independent program has been called into question, with some fans urging the school to join a conference like the ACC. However, the article argues that the current state of conferences in college football is deeply flawed, and Notre Dame shouldn't join a broken system just to satisfy fans. The ACC in particular is cited as a conference in disarray, with issues like the best teams not making the championship game and weaker teams winning the title. The article suggests the Notre Dame would likely dominate the ACC if they joined, but that the conference needs to fix its structural problems first before the Fighting Irish should consider the move.

Why it matters

This debate over Notre Dame's conference affiliation goes to the heart of the larger issues plaguing college football's conference system. As one of the most storied independent programs, Notre Dame's decision on whether to join a conference could have ripple effects across the sport. The article argues that Notre Dame shouldn't compromise its independence and tradition just to fit into a broken system, and that conferences need major reforms before the Fighting Irish should consider joining.

The details

The article cites several problems with the current state of major college football conferences, including the fact that top teams don't always play each other, arbitrary tiebreakers determine who makes conference championship games, and fans often don't even want to see their teams in those title games due to the risk involved. The ACC is singled out as a particular mess, with the best team (Miami) not even making the championship game last season, while a 7-5 Duke squad won the title. The conference's response - having unequal conference schedules - is seen as a recipe for more controversy.

  • In the 2025 season, Miami was the best team in the ACC but did not make the conference championship game.
  • The ACC announced changes to its scheduling model in December 2025, with most teams playing 9 conference games but 5 teams only playing 8.

The players

Notre Dame Football

One of the most storied independent programs in college football, with a long tradition of not being affiliated with a conference.

ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference)

A major college football conference that has faced structural issues and controversies in recent years, leading some to question whether Notre Dame should join it.

Miami

A top ACC program that was the best team in the conference in 2025 but did not make the championship game.

Duke

A 7-5 ACC team that won the conference championship in 2025, despite being unimpressive and undeserving according to the article.

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What’s next

The article does not mention any clear next steps, as the focus is on Notre Dame's potential future conference affiliation rather than immediate events.

The takeaway

This debate over Notre Dame's conference status highlights the deeper structural issues plaguing college football's conference system. Until major reforms are implemented to ensure fairness and competitiveness, Notre Dame should remain an independent program and avoid joining a broken conference like the ACC.