Ad Disclosure
Notre Dame won’t change view on independence if Big Ten expands further, per report
Published:
Notre Dame will not be influenced to give up its independence if the Big Ten makes any additional moves, according to new reporting from ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
The Big Ten is exploring the possibility of adding Oregon and Washington to its ranks as the Pac-12 continues to show signs of splintering. Thamel has reported that the Big Ten doesn’t want to be viewed as “predatory” and could be waiting for the two Arizona schools to bolt for the Big 12 before making a move itself.
Oregon, according to Thamel, is the key to this next round of movement. If the Ducks move for the Big Ten, Thamel reported on Thursday that Washington would join with them. If the Ducks decide they’re comfortable remaining in the Pac-12 and being the new flag-bearer for the conference when the College Football Playoff expands, the picture could change.
Either way, Notre Dame appears to be content to sit.
According to Thamel, any potential changes in the Big Ten “are not expected to impact Notre Dame’s view on independence.”
The Fighting Irish have long been courted by the Big Ten, but they aren’t quite as cash-strapped as some of their non-SEC/B1G peers, so the urge to jump into the league’s membership hasn’t been there.
Notre Dame is one of the biggest brands in sports. To that end, earlier this week, the Irish agreed to what is believed to be the richest apparel deal in college athletics. Under Armour will pay the Irish $10 million in cash and gear annually for the next 10 years as the program’s official outfitter.
Time and time again, Notre Dame leadership has placed a premium on its football independence. That doesn’t appear to be changing soon.
Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.