The University of Notre Dame has revealed a 12-year home-and-home series with Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) powerhouse Clemson University, marking a major addition to its upcoming football schedule. Beginning in 2027, the Fighting Irish and Tigers will play each other annually in this series, which will alternate between South Bend, Indiana, and Clemson, South Carolina, until 2038.
The goal of this long-term deal is to strengthen and reignite a growing rivalry between two of the most illustrious teams in college football. With numerous national titles and regular trips to the College Football Playoff, Notre Dame and Clemson both have illustrious histories. The rivalry has been more well-known as a result of their recent meetings, which have been characterized by fierce competition and national importance.
Jack Swarbrick, the athletic director and vice president of Notre Dame, highlighted the significance of this series in maintaining long-standing rivalries in the face of college football’s changing landscape. “This agreement not only enhances our schedule but also reinforces our commitment to maintaining the spirit and tradition of college football,” Swarbrick said.
Graham Neff, athletic director at Clemson, repeated this idea, emphasizing the advantages for both institutions and their supporters. “Regular matchups with Notre Dame will provide our student-athletes with high-caliber competition and our fans with exciting, meaningful games,” Neff said.
The series is a component of Notre Dame’s overall scheduling plan, which also includes an average of five games against ACC teams annually. This strategy promotes competitive games around the conference while preserving the Fighting Irish’s football autonomy.
A home-and-home series between Notre Dame and in-state rival Indiana University has been scheduled for 2030 and 2031 in addition to the Clemson series. The first game is scheduled for August 27, 2030, at Notre Dame Stadium, while the second is scheduled for September 27, 2031, in Bloomington. The two programs will meet for the first time since 1991 in this resumption of their long-standing rivalry.
Notre Dame’s dedication to maintaining long-standing rivalries and providing top-notch games for both players and spectators is demonstrated by these calculated scheduling choices. The Fighting Irish are committed to maintaining the rich traditions that characterize college football even as the game changes.