Notre Dame is preparing to adjust its annual schedule in response to the impending expansion of the College Football Playoff to 24 teams. Under the proposed format, 23 at-large spots and one guaranteed slot for the top Group of Five conference champion would replace the current 12-team structure, eliminating conference championship games and introducing a week-long break after the regular season.
The new rules would also require Power Five schools to play at least 10 games against other Power Five opponents—a threshold currently unmet by 11 programs, including Notre Dame. With more teams qualifying for the postseason, the Fighting Irish are reportedly planning to increase their matchups against SEC and Big Ten opponents, adding greater competitive challenge to their lineup.
The changes reflect broader negotiations between the CFP Management Committee and ESPN, which have faced some internal pushback but remain in active discussion. Notre Dame’s scheduling shift underscores how the playoff expansion will reshape college football’s landscape, prioritizing high-profile matchups while reducing the stakes of the regular season.
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