Every year there are debates about whether or not Notre Dame should join a conference. I for one enjoy being Independent. With so many conferences - SEC, ACC, Big East, Pac 12, Big 10, etc. - why get lost in the shuffle? I like being a big fish in a big pond. I know other sports from South Bend participate in conference play (most notably the successful Men’s Basketball program in the Big East), and could win multiple championships, but they all take a back seat to the boys on the gridiron.
The Irish have built rivalries over the years without being forced through conference play. USC vs. Notre Dame still draws national attention regardless of records or how many years in a row the Trojans win. I know people whine about Notre Dame playing the service academies but that is out of respect and debt. When Army and Navy were perennial powerhouses, they gave the Irish national recognition by playing them.
I know a lot of people say that Notre Dame is no longer relevant in the national spotlight and that joining a conference would give the program a boost. There are far more teams without National Championship since the Irish last won one that have won one. Recruits most often comment about the proud heritage and strong tradition of the Fighting Irish, and far less often about their desire to be a part of a conference. With all the “jealous critics” out there constantly talking about the Irish, I for one am not worried about relevance.
What are the pros of joining a conference? Sharing revenue? No thanks. Conforming to conference rules? No thanks. Not controlling you schedule? No thanks. I’ll stick with being independent.
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