
In a recent media interaction, Notre Dame Athletic Director Pete Bevacqua expressed a strong interest in establishing an annual football rivalry with Clemson University.
Bevacqua highlighted the rapid development of the Notre Dame-Clemson matchup into a significant rivalry, stating, “When we play a team like Clemson, I think that has become such a great rivalry in such a short amount of time.”
Notre Dame, while maintaining its independent status in football, has a scheduling agreement with the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) to play five ACC teams each season. In the recent season, the Fighting Irish faced Louisville, Stanford, Georgia Tech, Florida State, and Virginia. Among these, only Louisville and Georgia Tech concluded the season with records above .500, collectively amassing ten losses. This scenario has prompted discussions about enhancing the competitiveness of Notre Dame’s schedule.
The prospect of an annual game against Clemson is particularly appealing, given the Tigers’ consistent performance over the past decade. Since 2010, Clemson has achieved at least ten wins in all but one season, secured two national championships, and made multiple College Football Playoff appearances. Regularly featuring such a formidable opponent would not only bolster Notre Dame’s strength of schedule but also provide a marquee matchup that could captivate fans and recruits alike.
However, the feasibility of this annual fixture raises several considerations. Clemson’s existing commitments, including their in-state rivalry with the University of South Carolina, could complicate scheduling. Balancing these traditional games with the demands of an ACC schedule and potential playoff aspirations requires careful planning. Moreover, the physical and mental toll of consistently facing high-caliber opponents cannot be overlooked.
Beyond the potential Clemson rivalry, Bevacqua reaffirmed Notre Dame’s commitment to its longstanding series with the University of Southern California (USC). Despite recent speculations about the future of this rivalry, Bevacqua emphasized the importance of continuing the tradition, stating, “We want to play USC every year.”
In addition to scheduling discussions, Bevacqua addressed Notre Dame’s position regarding conference affiliation and the College Football Playoff (CFP) structure. He expressed contentment with Notre Dame’s independent status, acknowledging the trade-off of forgoing a first-round bye in the CFP under current rules. Bevacqua noted, “We’re comfortable that if conference championship games continue as they’re currently configured… part of the deal we made is that we wouldn’t get a bye, and that’s understandable.”
As Notre Dame prepares for its upcoming national championship game against Ohio State, these strategic considerations underscore the university’s broader vision for its football program. Balancing tradition with the evolving landscape of college football remains a priority for Bevacqua and his administration. The potential for an annual showdown with Clemson exemplifies this approach, promising to enhance the competitive stature of Notre Dame football while honoring its storied past.