Paul Finebaum details Notre Dame's future in college football

Another round of conference realignment will inevitably come in college football but the biggest pawn is currently an Independent. Notre Dame is one of the biggest brands out there and at some point, they may have to join a conference. The Fighting Irish have held off for years and stayed true to tradition.

ESPN’s Paul Finebaum has not been shy of criticizing Notre Dame in the past when it comes to joining a conference. A golden opportunity presented itself back in 2020 when the ACC welcomed them with open arms for a makeshift season.

Due to the connection, the ACC will certainly be a favorite to win out for Notre Dame’s conference affiliation. But the Big Ten is going to have a chance too according to Finebaum.

“It’s been easy to criticize them,” Finebaum said via the Always College Football podcast. “‘Well, why didn’t you get into the ACC during COVID when the ACC had their back?’ I don’t know if they say what was happening. Maybe they did, maybe they didn’t. But by sticking to their guns, they may be benefitting because while the Big Ten is certainly their geographical move, I can see them doing either one.”

There was even some success in that one ACC season, making the conference championship game and College Football Playoff. A perfect 10-0 regular season record was one of the best the Irish had under former head coach Brian Kelly.

As for Notre Dame and the Big Ten, they have plenty of history with each other but not in a good way. Despite being in the heart of the conference’s geographical landscape, the marriage has never worked out. If Notre Dame were to join, they would be the Big Ten’s third member from the state of Indiana.

Natural rivalries already exist as well, mainly with the Michigan Wolverines. This past season’s matchup with Ohio State provided plenty of intrigue as well. Even long-time West Coast rival USC will be a part of the Big Ten beginning this upcoming season.

In the end, Finebaum sees the Big Ten adding Notre Dame at some point because “it makes way too much sense.”

“I think, ultimately, the Big Ten will get Notre Dame,” Finebaum said. “It makes way too much sense. I don’t really care about 50 or 100-year-old feuds. That doesn’t matter anymore. That’s always been the excuse given but it’s time for Notre Dame.”