Report: SEC scheduling decision ‘further solidifies’ Notre Dame’s status as independent school

On Thursday, the SEC moved to adopt a nine-game conference schedule beginning in 2026. It’ll require them to schedule at least one ACC, Big Ten or Big 12 opponent every season, and Notre Dame is included in that group.

The Fighting Irish won’t be left out, and their future series with Alabama, Texas and Florida will move forward as planned, with room for more SEC teams on their schedule. ESPN’s Heather Dinich added that the scheduling decision from the conference helps further solidify Notre Dame remaining an independent school in the future.

“Sources at Notre Dame have said the SEC’s scheduling decision ‘further solidifies our independence.’ The SEC will still schedule nonconference games against the Irish, the university still has a committed TV partner, a home for its Olympic sports, and a path to the playoff,” Dinich reported. “Those have always been the keys to independence for Notre Dame.”

— This story is developing and will be updated.