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

By Emma Wilson · December 5, 2026

What Football Conference Is Notre Dame In?

As of the 2025 season, the University of Notre Dame football team competes as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) for most sports, including football. While historically independent in football, Notre Dame has been playing a full ACC conference schedule since 2020 due to a special agreement, especially accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Notre Dame maintains its football independence through a unique arrangement that allows it to retain control over its national broadcasting rights and postseason eligibility outside the ACC's automatic bids—except during years when it fully aligns with the conference.

Notre Dame’s Unique Position in College Football

Notre Dame holds one of the most storied traditions in college football history. Known for its fierce independence, the Fighting Irish remained outside any athletic conference for over a century, largely to preserve national television deals and scheduling autonomy. This independence made Notre Dame a household name across America, unlike many regionally focused programs.

Key Reasons for Historical Independence

National broadcast appeal and NBC television contract (since 1991)
Flexible non-conference scheduling against top national programs
Strong brand identity built on rivalry games (e.g., USC, Navy)
Maintaining control over postseason access and marketing rights

The Shift Toward the ACC

While Notre Dame joined the ACC in all sports except football and hockey in 2013, football remained officially independent. However, starting in the 2020 season, Notre Dame began playing a full 10-game conference schedule with the ACC due to pandemic-related changes. This temporary move became semi-permanent, continuing through the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

Current Football Agreement with the ACC

Under the current agreement:

Notre Dame plays 10 ACC opponents annually.
The team is eligible for the ACC Championship Game if it finishes in the top two of the conference standings.
It retains the right to play five non-conference games every four years, preserving key rivalries.
NBC still broadcasts home games, maintaining Notre Dame’s media independence.

Season	Conference	Conference Games	Overall Record	ACC Record	Bowl/Playoff Result
2020	ACC (full schedule)	10	10–2	9–0	CFP Semifinal (loss)
2021	ACC (full schedule)	8	9–4	7–1	Cotton Bowl (loss)
2022	ACC (full schedule)	8	9–4	6–2	Gator Bowl (win)
2023	ACC (full schedule)	8	10–3	7–1	Fiesta Bowl (CFP loss)
2024	ACC (full schedule)	8	11–2	8–0	CFP National Championship (pending)

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows Notre Dame's consistent performance within the ACC framework, maintaining strong win-loss records while competing against conference rivals. Despite playing fewer than 10 conference games in recent years, their ACC win percentage remains high, indicating competitive alignment. The 2024 season marks their first perfect ACC record, positioning them as serious contenders for both the ACC title and College Football Playoff.

Will Notre Dame Join the ACC Permanently?

This remains a topic of speculation. Although Notre Dame benefits from ACC competition—especially improved access to the College Football Playoff—its leadership continues to emphasize football independence as central to its identity. Full membership would require surrendering control of TV rights and scheduling flexibility, which may not align with long-term strategy.

Possible future scenarios include:

Extending the current agreement beyond 2025
Negotiating a hybrid model with partial scheduling freedom
Leaving the ACC structure entirely post-2025 to reassert independence
Joining another power conference like the Big Ten or SEC (less likely due to geographic and structural mismatches)

Frequently Asked Questions About Notre Dame Football and Conferences

Is Notre Dame in the ACC for football?

Yes, Notre Dame plays a full ACC football schedule and is eligible for the ACC Championship and bowl berths. However, it remains technically independent, retaining control over broadcasting and certain scheduling rights.

Why isn't Notre Dame in a conference like other schools?

Notre Dame values its football independence, particularly the lucrative NBC television contract and the ability to schedule marquee non-conference matchups. These factors have historically outweighed the benefits of full conference membership.

Can Notre Dame play in the ACC Championship Game?

Yes. Since 2020, Notre Dame has been eligible for the ACC Championship Game if it ranks among the top two teams in the final conference standings.

Does Notre Dame get an ACC playoff bid?

Not automatically. While Notre Dame competes in the ACC, it does not receive an automatic Group of Five-style bid. Its College Football Playoff chances depend on rankings, with ACC success improving its odds.

When will Notre Dame decide on its future conference status?

No official announcement has been made. The current agreement extends through the 2025 season, and decisions about renewal or departure are expected in 2025 or early 2026.