With reports of a potential expansion to 24 teams approaching, Freeman sees a chance to protect independence while securing easier access to the postseason. The catch is that Notre Dame may need to accept a tougher regular-season schedule to realize these ambitions. The central question: can the Irish reap the benefits of independence while advocating for a larger playoff format?
Freeman expressed a clear stance on the matter during a recent appearance on a popular college football platform. He acknowledged his own strong viewpoints about Notre Dame and noted that expanding the playoff structure could offer more opportunities for Notre Dame to reach the postseason. He emphasized that his comments reflect what he believes would be best for the program, even if they aren’t universally endorsed as optimal for college football as a whole. His gist: more playoff opportunities translate to a higher likelihood of Notre Dame’s inclusion.
The remarks came on the heels of widespread discussion that the playoff might expand to 24 teams as soon as 2027. The concept gained traction after discussions in major conferences, with the Big Ten backing the 24-team model and other leagues warming to the idea over time. ESPN is expected to have a role in broadcasting the expanded games. Freeman was asked to weigh in on this potential shift.
“It would be great to have 24 teams,” Freeman said. “I don’t want it to reach the scale of 64 or 70-odd teams like some March Madness fields. But I’m in favor of 24 because it would give Notre Dame football a better chance to reach the playoffs and, likely, help preserve our independence.”
Notre Dame currently competes as an independent in football, without a conference championship bid to leverage during postseason consideration. When early debates about expansion began, one model included automatic conference champions earning bids, a framework that could have disadvantaged Notre Dame as an independent. Under the most discussed 24-team format, the top eight seeds would receive byes, while seeds nine through 16 would host opening-round games. Based on the previous season’s rankings, Notre Dame would have earned a spot in the field and hosted a first-round game if the 24-team format had been in place.
Reports indicate that Notre Dame is expected to schedule more games against SEC and Big Ten opponents as part of the expansion framework, with athletic director Pete Bevacqua playing a pivotal role in negotiations with the network partner. The objective appears to be balancing independence with a higher level of competition, as the SEC already requires its programs to play a Power Four opponent or Notre Dame in non-conference fashion in some seasons.
Looking ahead, Notre Dame’s schedule includes high-profile non-conference games, including a planned matchup with Auburn next season, followed by Arkansas and Texas in 2028, and Alabama and Texas in 2029. The Irish typically play five ACC opponents each season while remaining independent and maintaining their own broadcast arrangement. The broader goal, as described by program leadership, is to “improve our schedules,” and there is comfort in pursuing more challenging opponents as part of a measured commitment.
Notre Dame’s recent campaign featured a mixed results slate: initial losses to Miami and Texas A&M, followed by a 10-game winning streak and a bowl opt-out. This season, the team quickly demonstrated offensive firepower with a dominant 58-7 win over Stanford. Freeman’s road record against ranked teams sits at a balanced 4-4, underscoring the complexity of evaluating Notre Dame’s performance on big-game stages away from home.
The program’s road schedule presents a significant test, including a long-awaited matchup against a top-10 foe on the road. The upcoming road trip to face a highly ranked opponent will mark a chance for Notre Dame to prove it can win away from home against elite competition, a crucial barometer for playoff legitimacy if an expanded field includes more independent teams.
In summary, Notre Dame is advocating for a larger playoff field to improve its postseason odds while pursuing a schedule that maintains its independence. The path forward hinges on a careful balance: expanding opportunities without compromising the distinctive model that Notre Dame has cultivated for decades. The conversation about expansion and scheduling continues to evolve, with Notre Dame positioned at the center of the debate over how best to structure elite college football postseason participation.
