What Conference Is Notre Dame In For Football? (2025 Update)

By Emma Wilson · April 3, 2027

Notre Dame football competes as an independent in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), meaning it is not part of any conference for football. However, it has a partial scheduling agreement with the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) through 2029.

Why Notre Dame Remains a Football Independent

Unlike most major college football programs, the University of Notre Dame maintains independence in football to preserve its national brand, historic rivalries, and television broadcast deal with NBC. This unique status allows Notre Dame to schedule games across the country, maintaining traditional matchups with teams like USC, Navy, and Stanford.

Key Reasons for Independence

Nationwide fan base and national television appeal
Historic autonomy and scheduling freedom
Lucrative 10-year media rights deal with NBC for home games
Preservation of long-standing rivalries
Maintaining distinct institutional identity

Notre Dame's Relationship with the ACC

While Notre Dame is not a full football member of the Atlantic Coast Conference, it has been a partial member since 2014. The Irish play five or six games per season against ACC opponents and have access to the ACC Championship Game if they meet eligibility requirements.

ACC Agreement Details

Contractual scheduling alliance through the 2028–2029 season
Notre Dame participates in ACC non-football sports
The team can appear in the ACC Championship Game if ranked in the top 12 of the College Football Playoff rankings
All home games remain exclusive to NBC broadcast

Season	Overall Record	ACC Opponents Played	Result vs. ACC Teams	Bowl/Playoff Outcome
2020	10–2	6	6–0	Cotton Bowl Semifinal (Lost)
2021	9–4	5	4–1	Camping World Bowl (Won)
2022	9–4	5	4–1	Gator Bowl (Won)
2023	10–3	5	4–1	Fiesta Bowl (Lost)
2024 (Projected)	8–4 (est.)	5	3–2 (est.)	To be determined

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows Notre Dame consistently schedules 5–6 ACC opponents annually, maintaining strong competition within the conference framework despite independence. Their winning percentage against ACC teams remains high, demonstrating competitive balance even without full membership.

Future Outlook: Will Notre Dame Join a Conference?

Rumors about Notre Dame joining the ACC or another Power Five conference persist, especially as realignment reshapes college athletics. However, financial incentives from the NBC deal and brand equity tied to independence make a full move unlikely before 2030.

Potential Scenarios

Extension of ACC scheduling agreement beyond 2029
Full ACC membership if media landscape shifts dramatically
Exploration of Big Ten membership (geographically and academically aligned)
Continued independence with expanded playoff access

Frequently Asked Questions About Notre Dame Football Conference Affiliation

Does Notre Dame football belong to a conference?

No, Notre Dame football is officially an independent in the NCAA FBS. It does not belong to any athletic conference for football but plays a partial schedule with the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

Why isn't Notre Dame in a football conference?

Notre Dame values its independence due to its national fan base, historic rivalries, and a lucrative broadcasting deal with NBC. These factors provide financial and branding benefits that outweigh the advantages of full conference membership.

How many ACC games does Notre Dame play each year?

Notre Dame plays five to six games per season against ACC opponents as part of its scheduling agreement with the conference through 2029.

Can Notre Dame play in the ACC Championship Game?

Yes, under current rules, Notre Dame can qualify for the ACC Championship Game if it finishes in the top two of the ACC standings and is ranked in the top 12 of the College Football Playoff rankings.

Is Notre Dame likely to join the ACC or Big Ten?

While speculation exists, Notre Dame is unlikely to join any conference soon. Its NBC contract runs through 2029, and independence remains central to its identity. A move to the Big Ten is possible long-term due to academic and geographic alignment, but not imminent.