Notre Dame potentially joining the Big Ten conference

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Notre Dame could potentially join the Big Ten after USC and UCLA leave the PAC-12.

Whenever there is a realignment of conferences in college football, Notre Dame becomes the topic of discussion because of the independent reputation they have maintained over the years.

When news broke last week that USC and UCLA would join the Big Ten, Notre Dame once again was in the spotlight.

Speculation about Notre Dame football joining a conference has been growing since 2020, when the Irish joined the ACC for one season, due to COVID-19.

Last year the Irish went back to their independence and many people believe it’s time for Notre Dame to relinquish it.

“Notre Dame is in a really intriguing position where a lot of the media saying they don't have a lot of leverage, or maybe they don't have as much leverage they used to," said Bryan Driskell of the Irish Breakdown.  “I don't think anybody has ever had more leverage than they do now.”

However, the Irish don’t seem likely to jump to a decision.

“We don’t feel any particular urgency,” said Notre Dame Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick. “We think there’s ample time for us to let the landscape settle.”

With TV and uniform contracts ending over the next two to three years, the Irish may have a tough choice ahead of them.