Marcus Freeman Announces Decision On Notre Dame Remaining Independent

In the era of conference realignment and superleague formation, Notre Dame has done something very few others have — remained Independent.

Only two FBS teams can now say that with UMass returning to the MAC in 2025; the Fighting Irish and the UConn Huskies (in football).

Many have wondered when ND will give in and join a major conference. But according to head coach Marcus Freeman, the university is going to hold out on that as long as it possibly can.

"It's what this football program was built from," Freeman told FOX's Joel Klatt. "As long as we can, we will [retain independence]. I have a lot of confidence in our administration and Pete Bevacqua, our AD, that he'll always keep us in a position to be successful. So, as long as we can keep that Independence, we will."

Freeman says there's no reason at the moment for the Irish to make a change. However, if it ever becomes a detriment he admits it's something the program will be forced to look into.

"But, if there ever comes a time that we are at a disadvantage because we aren't in a conference, I'm sure he'll make the decision," the coach admitted. "Along with our president, to say, 'Alright, we're gonna join one of these conferences, and position ourselves to not be negatively impacted by being Independent.'"

"I think if you talk about being at a disadvantage to make the postseason because you're not in the Playoff. Or, if there comes a time when teams won't schedule you because the Big Ten or the SEC are saying we're gonna play nine games and we'll play a crossover game and who cares about Notre Dame? Well, then I think there's going to be a point where we're forced to join a conference," Freeman said.