Few programs in CFB carry the mystique and independence of Notre Dame. But that independence, once seen as a badge of honor, might now feel more like a gilded cage. As the Fighting Irish bask in the afterglow of their latest $20 million College Football Playoff (CFP) payout, questions about the program’s place in an increasingly conference-dominated landscape are getting louder. For Marcus Freeman and Co., it’s a 20 million bounty on their head, the harsh reality is setting in: financial freedom might not be enough to mask the cracks in their championship aspirations.

Notre Dame’s CFP run this season, culminating in a dramatic showdown against Ohio State in the national championship game, felt like a crowning achievement for Freeman’s tenure. Yet, even as the Irish danced to the bank, their status as independent has become a thorny topic in other conf. circles. The financial windfall is undeniable—Notre Dame pockets every dime from its postseason success—but the trade-off is becoming equally undeniable. As Penn State head coach James Franklin bluntly put it during a joint press conference with Marcus Freeman before the CFP semifinals, “I think everybody should be in a conference.”

For the Irish, the absence of a conference championship presents a unique conundrum. On the one hand, their independence allows them to cherry-pick matchups and maintain a national schedule. On the other, it leaves them exposed to a brutal win-or-bust reality. As insiders on the Locked On Big 12 Squad podcast noted, Notre Dame’s lack of a fallback option—like a conference title game—can make late-season losses feel like the final nail in the coffin. “If you lose a couple of games, you’re out of the playoff picture,” one insider explained. “It’s like, ‘Well, I guess we’re going to the Hawaii Bowl or Independence Bowl.’ How unsatisfying is that?”

The Big 12, for example, has emerged as a potential landing spot for the Irish. The conference, already bolstered by its ability to adapt and innovate, would welcome Notre Dame with open arms.“Will Howard has to come in. He was never a full-time starter for Kansas State. Avery Johnson steps up and starts in his place a couple of times due to injury. He replaced Martinez when he first got there. Skyler Thompson was the starting quarterback, and now he goes and wins a national championship at Ohio State. Is that a sign the Big 12 should add Notre Dame? I can’t see why not. Hey Irish, come on down, baby!” one insider compared.

The logic is hard to ignore: joining a conference would develop their players and, like the Big 12, could give Notre Dame a much-needed cushion—a chance to salvage their season with a conference title shot, even if the CFP feels out of reach.

It’s not just about optics, either. The on-field implications of independence are becoming increasingly glaring. A late-season loss for a conference team like Michigan or Texas can be mitigated by a strong showing in their championship game. For Notre Dame? A single stumble in October could be the difference between the CFP and a second-tier bowl game. That’s a tough pill to swallow for a program with national championship ambitions.

Of course, the Fighting Irish pride themselves on standing apart, both culturally and financially. Their exclusive NBC deal, which runs through 2025, has long been a cornerstone of their independence. Add to that the allure of a conference title game—and the CFP expansion to 12 teams starting in 2024—and it’s fair to wonder how much longer the Irish can hold out.

Marcus Freeman, for his part, has done an admirable job navigating these murky waters. His recruiting efforts have kept Notre Dame competitive, and his players have bought into the ethos of independence. But even he must feel the weight of the expectations that come with leading a program that’s simultaneously revered and scrutinized. For all the talk of tradition, history, and autonomy, the goal remains the same: winning championships.

So, what’s next for the Irish?

Freeman and Notre Dame fight in the ACC at least, if not the XII

What’s a fighting Irish without any conf. championship? The Irish have always treasured their Independence, and their part-time partnership with the ACC has served them well. But let’s talk about why fully joining the ACC in football could actually be a game-changer for Notre Dame.

1. Show Me the Money

Notre Dame hopping into the ACC would open financial floodgates for the conference—and for themselves. With the added revenue from their presence, Notre Dame’s slice of the pie gets even bigger. Plus, the ACC is the only conference willing to let Notre Dame keep its lucrative NBC and Peacock deal intact. Translation: freedom and financial perks? That’s the dream combo.

1. Scheduling on Their Terms

The ACC isn’t just accommodating—it’s downright flexible. They’re the only conference willing to bend over backwards to let Notre Dame customize its schedule. Want to handpick your matchups? The ACC’s got you. Most schools would be more than happy to oblige, giving the Irish the control they love. Marcus Freeman is a free man, and it’s all up to him to decide.