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Newsstand: Notre Dame AD Pete Bevacqua reveals the strength of football program’s independence

Kyle Kellyby:Kyle Kelly•08/05/24•

ByKyleKelly

Pete Bevacqua
Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua. (Blue & Gold)

While many major powerhouse college football programs have pushed their schools to switch conferences, the University of Notre Dame’s stance on its independence remains steady. Under new athletic director Pete Bevacqua, its stance has only become stronger.

In an interview with The Athletic senior college football reporter Chris Vannini, Bevacqua reaffirmed his vision for where the Fighting Irish stand in the present college football landscape. 

“I feel stronger about our place as an independent than maybe I ever have,” Bevacqua told The Athletic. Vannini interviewed Bevacqua after he completed his first 100 days on the job, 

Bevacqua, a 1993 Notre Dame graduate, began his current position on March 25. He replaced longtime Irish director of athletics Jack Swarbrick, who officially retired in the spring.

Quickly into his post, Bevacqua, the former chairman of NBC Sports, helped orchestrate the football program’s television deal with NBC — a key part in the Irish being able to remain independent from a conference. The Athletic noted that reports suggest the Irish claim about $50 million annually from its football television deal. 

As also mentioned by The Athletic, the Irish rake in about $17 million annually to play five ACC games per season. They face Louisville, Stanford, Georgia Tech, Florida State and Virginia in 2024. 

Notre Dame Posts of the Weekend

The Notre Dame Football’s X/Twitter account posted preseason camp practice highlights.

One practice highlight was transfer quarterback Riley Leonard hitting transfer wide receiver Kris Mitchell in stride for a touchdown.

The Irish enter the 2024 season with one of college football’s most experienced secondaries.

Notre Dame Quote of the Weekend

“We’re all-in on the ACC. Jim Phillips is a wonderful leader, and his commitment to the schools is unyielding. I know he’s going to do everything he can to protect the conference. My hope is Florida State and Clemson remain a part of the ACC. They’re two great members with great sports, and our games across the board are wonderful.”

— Bevacqua on the university’s relationship with the ACC of Olympic sports. 

Notre Dame Headlines of the Weekend

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