The announcement of the BYU-Notre Dame football series has stirred up some real excitement in the college football world. Unlike most nonconference matchups that take years to lock in, this one came together fast—almost suspiciously fast, if you ask me.
The series kicks off October 17 at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah. It was announced just three days before Christmas last year, which honestly still surprises a lot of folks.
This collaboration between two faith-based universities happened thanks to a mix of good timing, mutual respect, and a bit of strategic wrangling behind the scenes. The college football scheduling landscape is notoriously tricky, but sometimes, the stars just align.
The Quick Setup: A Rare Occurrence in College Football
Most big-name nonconference games are planned years ahead, usually after endless back-and-forth. The BYU-Notre Dame series? Not the case at all.
BYU athletic director Brian Santiago said the deal came together with “incredible help and cooperation” from both the Big 12 and the ACC. That’s not exactly common.
And this isn’t just a one-off thing. Both universities are already tossing around ideas for future matchups in other sports. Santiago points out that the religious mission at both schools gives this series a unique flavor.
The Role of Relationships and Communication
Santiago, in a chat with the Deseret News, shared how it all started. Not long after he took over as BYU’s athletic director, a mutual friend introduced him to Notre Dame’s Pete Bevacqua.
Their first conversation was upbeat, centering on what makes their universities tick—especially the faith element. Bevacqua floated the idea of Notre Dame playing BYU, and that’s pretty much where the whole thing began.
The Impact of the College Football Playoff Snub
On December 7, 2025, both Notre Dame and BYU were the first two teams left out of the College Football Playoff’s 12-team field. Notre Dame then announced they wouldn’t play in any bowl game that year.
This decision frustrated a lot of BYU fans, who’d been hoping for a clash with Notre Dame in the Pop-Tarts Bowl down in Orlando. Santiago, though, seemed to get where Notre Dame was coming from—they were pretty upset about being left out.
Turning Disappointment into Opportunity
Once the initial sting faded, Santiago reached out to Bevacqua to show some understanding. That conversation opened the door for a game in Provo the following year.
BYU was in a tough spot, looking for a Power Four opponent for 2026 and 2027 after Cal backed out. The Big 12 and ACC helped make the BYU-Notre Dame matchup happen, which really shows how much relationships matter in this business.
The Significance of the BYU-Notre Dame Series
For BYU, playing a private Catholic school like Notre Dame is about more than football. Santiago talks about wanting to shine a positive light on both faith and college sports.
Both schools are known for their religious missions and athletic success. This series feels like a chance to put those values front and center.
Looking Forward to Future Contests
Santiago’s hopeful about more collaborations between BYU and Notre Dame, not just in football. The series is currently set through 2027, but it sure sounds like both sides want more.
He thinks the shared focus on faith is especially meaningful in these times, and honestly, I can’t disagree.
The Role of Conferences in College Football Scheduling
One big reason this series is happening? The Big 12 and ACC were willing to be flexible. Both had to tweak their schedules to fit this game in.
It’s a reminder that college football scheduling is a puzzle, and sometimes you need everyone to pitch in and move some pieces around.
The Return of the Notre Dame-Stanford Tradition
Notre Dame also announced they’re bringing back their tradition of ending the season in California. They’ll play Stanford on November 27, 2027, at Stanford Stadium.
Stanford will then visit Notre Dame on October 14, 2028. Notre Dame clearly wants to keep its old rivalries alive while still chasing new opportunities like the BYU series.
Conclusion: A Unique Collaboration with Lasting Impact
The BYU-Notre Dame series really shows what can happen when relationships and communication actually work in college football scheduling. It’s a collaboration between two faith-based universities, and honestly, it feels like it goes beyond just the game itself.
They’re putting their shared values and missions out there for everyone to see, which is kind of refreshing. If you ask me, this matchup is shaping up to be one of those games people actually mark on their calendars.
For more details on how the BYU-Notre Dame game came about, you can read the full article on Deseret News.
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