The SEC announced this week that it will move to a nine-game conference schedule beginning in 2026. Along with that change, the league will also require each team to play at least one non-conference opponent from the Big Ten, ACC, Big 12, or Notre Dame.
This change could be very beneficial for the Fighting Irish. The move guarantees that Notre Dame will continue to have access to high-profile opponents from the SEC without needing to join a league.
Considering the program’s long-term deal with NBC and the expanded College Football Playoff, Notre Dame officials have already made it clear they remain committed to staying independent in football, per ESPN.
This rule means SEC powerhouses like Alabama, Texas, and Georgia will all need to look outside the league for at least one marquee game, with Notre Dame being a top candidate.
That helps the Irish keep their schedule strong enough to impress the CFP selection committee while still protecting their independence.
With the SEC and Big Ten both at nine league games, the Big 12 remains right there in terms of parity. Non-conference opponents may have a significant role in determining which at-large teams qualify for the College Football Playoff.
For Notre Dame, it helps the Irish continue their dominance as the top independent program in the nation.
It’s also worth noting that the Big Ten was against the proposed “5+11” model, which would have guaranteed five conference champions and 11 at-large spots in the expanded CFP, per On3.
The combination of SEC scheduling rules and the Big Ten’s decision only strengthens the argument that the program’s independence may thrive in the modern playoff era.
