The Clemson Tigers and Notre Dame Fighting Irish are set to become one of the biggest rivalries in the next generation of college football. The two teams have signed a 12-year agreement to face off annually, starting in 2027. While long-term matchups aren’t new, this deal stands out for its playoff implications, boost in TV ratings, and smart financial strategy.
College football analyst Joel Klatt recently praised the agreement, calling it a “very smart” move. He noted that the deal will not only bring significant financial benefits to both programs but also give fans a chance to relive the excitement of past seasons, with both teams battling each year for supremacy.
Joel Klatt Praises Clemson, Notre Dame’s 12-Year Scheduling Deal As A Major Win For College Football
Clemson and Notre Dame’s football programs have just locked in a major agreement, ensuring the two teams will face off annually from 2027 to 2038.
Although they were already scheduled to meet in 2027, 2028, 2031, 2034, and 2037, this new deal guarantees they will play every year. Clemson will host the game in odd-numbered years, while Notre Dame will take the even-numbered years.
As an independent team, Notre Dame needs high-profile matchups to stay relevant and keep its TV appeal. With this agreement, they now have a top-tier opponent locked in for over a decade.
College football expert Joel Klatt called it a “no-brainer” move for the Fighting Irish. Speaking on “The Joel Klatt Show,” he explained how important big games are for schools like Notre Dame that don’t belong to a conference. These matchups help drive TV ratings and keep the program marketable.
But Clemson’s strategy is just as smart, according to Klatt. With the ACC shifting its revenue model toward TV ratings, having a top matchup like Notre Dame each year will keep Clemson at the top of the conference financially.
Klatt explained, “Clemson is using their leverage as a huge program, a blockbuster program, a national championship-winning coach, going to the College Football Playoff last year… They’re gonna lock in the biggest television draw they can possibly lock in, which is Notre Dame.”
However, every good step comes with questions, and this one is no different. Joel Klatt questioned whether such moves truly benefit conferences and the sport overall, noting, “The more that we allow teams to make these individual decisions, the more that we’re gonna get away from a more universal scheduling model.”
In the past few seasons, the college football world has begun to see a shift from powerhouse programs scheduling lower-level FCS programs as “buy games” to home-and-home series with other blue-bloods. While Notre Dame has several “rivals” locked in yearly as opponents, such as USC and Boston College, this type of agreement is new.
KEEP READING: Notre Dame’s 12-Year Series With Clemson Sparks Uncertainty Around USC Rivalry’s Future
It remains to be seen how such individual scheduling deals will impact college football’s long-term structure. But for now, this 12-year agreement is a positive sign for both programs.
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