Notre Dame Wanted to Create 'another historic annual rivalry'

In the ever-shifting terrain of college football, where realignment and revenue often trump tradition, Clemson and Notre Dame just made a statement. One that bucks the trend. One that honors the soul of the sport.

Beginning in 2027, the Tigers and the Fighting Irish will meet on the gridiron every year for the next 12 seasons—an intentional effort to elevate one of college football’s emerging marquee matchups into a permanent, national spectacle.

“This is a huge, huge deal,” said Clemson athletic director Graham Neff. “The rivalry is real. We've played five times in the last seven years, and every one of those games has carried weight—iconic moments that fans from both programs, and even across the country, remember.”

The agreement, finalized between Clemson, Notre Dame, and the ACC, builds on what has already become one of the sport's most compelling non-conference series. From Deshaun Watson’s rain-soaked thriller in South Bend in 2015, to the pandemic-season double-header that featured an instant classic at Notre Dame Stadium and a revenge blowout in the ACC Championship, the Clemson-Notre Dame series has quickly carved out a modern legacy.

But now, it’s more than a coincidence of scheduling or postseason alignment. It’s a deliberate partnership.

“This has been an ongoing conversation,” Neff continued. “Despite the moving parts nationally—CFP expansion, conference dynamics—there’s always been alignment between us, Notre Dame, and our fans. It just made sense.”

Pete Bevacqua, Notre Dame’s athletic director and a champion of the school’s unique scheduling model, echoed Neff’s sentiment.

“We love our relationship with the ACC,” Bevacqua said. “It’s the home of 24 of our 26 sports. While football remains independent and hockey competes in the Big Ten, our ties to the ACC run deep.”