The controversial exclusion of Notre Dame from the 12-team College Football Playoff, despite a 10-2 record, has created a new, hostile reality for the Fighting Irish's famous independent scheduling model. There are strong indications that other athletic directors are now threatening to "freeze out" Notre Dame from future schedules, drastically complicating their path to the CFP.

The Preferential Access Backlash

The primary cause for this tension is the revelation of a confidential Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the CFP. This document reportedly guarantees Notre Dame a playoff spot if they finish in the Top 12 starting next season. This preferential treatment—an unearned guarantee of access that other independent or Big 12 schools don't possess—has fueled widespread resentment among peer athletic directors. They argue this gives Notre Dame an unfair advantage and makes scheduling them less valuable.

The Risk/Reward Deterrent

For rival Power Four schools, scheduling Notre Dame has always been a calculated risk/reward equation. A win is a major resume boost; a loss is often excusable due to the prestige of the opponent. However, with the new CFP landscape, the risk has escalated:

A loss to ND now carries the weight of boosting a direct, independent competitor whose future CFP spot is seemingly guaranteed regardless of conference affiliation.

A win over ND may no longer provide the same competitive lift if the Irish are perceived as already having a "golden ticket" to the playoff.

The financial incentive (ND's huge brand drives TV ratings and ticket sales) still exists, but the competitive value of the game for a conference champion's resume is diminished. Consequently, Notre Dame will now face the difficult challenge of finding enough quality opponents willing to risk scheduling them in a zero-sum playoff environment.

Everydayer Club  
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. 

Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub  

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Omaha Steaks
Save big on unforgettable gifts with Omaha Steaks. Visit https://OmahaSteaks.com for 50% off site-wide and an extra 20% off select favorites during their Cyber Sale.
And for an additional $35 off, use promo code COLLEGE at checkout.
 

Rugiet
If you’ve been thinking about taking the next step, now’s the time.
Head to https://Rugiet.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEGEto get 15% off your order for a limited time.
Rugiet Ready. Feel present. Feel confident. Feel ready.
 

Aura Frames
For a limited time, save on the perfect gift by visiting https://AuraFrames.com to get $35 off Aura’s best-selling Carver Mat frames - named #1 by Wirecutter - by using promo code COLLEGE at checkout.
 

Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.