ND defines itself, its total sports identity, by its football independence. That is entirely how ND sees itself. ND's president during ND's 1999 public rejection of the Big Ten's formal offer of membership said that ND was: "Private, Catholic and independent". It still sees itself that way. Big donors condition their athletic donations on continued ND independence. ND has been independent for its entire 130+ year existence, except for the pandemic induced 2020 season. ND fans hated being in a conference that year and could not wait until ND bolted for independence again. Why doesn't Alabama join the Big Ten or Wisconsin the SEC ? Because it would go against their entire identities. Same for ND. It just wants to be left alone in all of the conference realignment BS. ND does not ever want to join any football conference for any reason. Why do it? Why give up its self identity, its tradition, the entire way it runs its program ?? Why surrender to the damned conferences and/or networks who don't have ND's best interests in mind ??? ND doesn't need to join a conference to make money or to make the playoffs. Conferences nowadays are simply big, bloated things, mainly TV collectives now. ND doesn't need a collective to get a TV deal. ND giving up independence would be running up the white flag and spitting on its entire existence. It would be the darkest day in ND history. The AD who does that would be vilified as a Quisling. ND will fight to the bitter end to keep its independence. There is no administration, alumni, donor or fan sentiment to join conference. Quite the contrary, in fact. Adamant contrary opinion, actually. Telling ND fans that the Irish should join a football conference is akin to insulting their mothers. Fighting words. I am surprised that some people still do not understand the depth and passion of ND's commitment to football independence. ** Edited by TerryD at 1/31/2025, 11:09:58 AM