Notre Dame is famously–or infamously, depending on how you look at it–a member of the ACC for nearly every sport, with football being the biggest exception.
The Fighting Irish have an agreement to play five ACC opponents on the gridiron each fall, but have remained staunchly independent otherwise.
That’s why some people were surprised to hear that Notre Dame has full ACC voting rights, which could have an impact on the latest round of conference realignment.
“Am told Notre Dame, as a full voting member of the ACC, is pushing hard for the additions of Stanford and Cal. That “full voting member” part is … something. Writing on this shortly,” said Tiger Illustrated’s Larry Williams.
Am told Notre Dame, as a full voting member of the ACC, is pushing hard for the additions of Stanford and Cal. That “full voting member” part is … something. Writing on this shortly.
— Larry Williams (@LarryWilliamsTI) August 9, 2023
This arrangement isn’t new, but Williams tweeting about it has sparked reaction from fans and media members alike.
ND is the real gangster. I’m willing to bet they get what they want here. Always do. https://t.co/FSb9DecuUO
— Allen Kenney (@BlatantHomerism) August 9, 2023
Why would Swofford and our genius presidents agree to give ND full voting power when there is no chance they will ever join the ACC? https://t.co/Hisa3UxBvR
— JK3 (@BC_JK3) August 9, 2023
They absolutely should not have full voting rights. Especially with a decision this big when they’re unwilling to go all in they should have zero say https://t.co/cNz3fJDHqM
— Sam Mines (@SMines57) August 9, 2023
The follow-up question for Notre Dame would be, I presume, “So what are you going to do for us?” Help me help you. https://t.co/y9CHCsrseI
— Brian Murphy (@murphsturph) August 9, 2023
And in exchange ND is joining the ACC for football… right? https://t.co/FYWgahPlhG
— TallyBull (@TallyBull) August 9, 2023
Wait… Notre Dame is a ‘full voting member of the ACC’ without being a ‘full member of the ACC’?
Why would they ever join the conference? The ACC has given them all the milk without making them buy the cow! https://t.co/Hzvg35wriO
— Tim Donnelly (@DonnellySports) August 9, 2023
If the ACC gave Notre Dame full voting rights without their football program then I’m all for dissolving the conference. https://t.co/UKRzDXvx8q
— Tyler Samples (@tsampys25) August 9, 2023
As for Notre Dame reportedly supporting the addition of Stanford and Cal as new ACC members, it makes sense for a couple of immediate reasons.
The Fighting Irish play Stanford annually in football–and played Cal last season for good measure–and both institutions are known for their high-level academics.
According to reports, as of today, the ACC is still weighing whether or not to invite Stanford and Cal out of the Pac-12 and SMU out of the American Athletic Conference.