In a groundbreaking move that underscores the growing emphasis on marquee matchups in college football, ESPN has reported that Clemson University and the University of Notre Dame are set to announce a 12-year agreement to play each other annually through the 2038 season. The deal marks a significant development for two of college football’s most storied programs, both of which have made multiple College Football Playoff appearances in recent years and boast passionate fan bases.
The Clemson Tigers and Notre Dame Fighting Irish are no strangers to each other. Their recent matchups — including a dramatic double-overtime Notre Dame victory in 2020 and a decisive Clemson win in the ACC Championship game the same year — have added modern intensity to what is becoming one of college football’s premier non-conference rivalries. This new agreement solidifies that intensity and gives fans a consistent, high-caliber game to look forward to each season.
The annual meetings are expected to alternate between Clemson’s Memorial Stadium, affectionately known as “Death Valley,” and Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. These iconic venues are steeped in tradition and will provide vibrant backdrops for the matchups, enhancing the spectacle for fans in person and across national broadcasts. The agreement not only reflects mutual respect between the two programs but also serves strategic interests, especially as college football’s postseason and scheduling structures continue to evolve.
For Notre Dame, which remains a football independent, the agreement allows the school to maintain a strong strength of schedule—crucial for playoff considerations—while preserving its historic independence. For Clemson, a perennial powerhouse in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), the matchup bolsters its non-conference slate and brings valuable national exposure.
Moreover, this deal comes at a time when realignment, expanded playoffs, and television contracts are reshaping the sport. The announcement signals a proactive approach by both schools to ensure continued relevance and visibility amid the chaos. It also responds to the demand for elite matchups outside of traditional conference play, something both fans and television networks have been clamoring for.
In a broader sense, the Clemson–Notre Dame annual series is poised to become a cornerstone of the college football calendar. It will likely influence scheduling philosophies for other top-tier programs and could help set a precedent for similar long-term interregional agreements. With both teams recruiting at a high level and developing NFL-caliber talent year after year, the matchups promise to be not only competitive but also significant in shaping the College Football Playoff race.
As college football enters a new era, the Clemson–Notre Dame annual rivalry adds a thrilling and enduring narrative to the sport’s future.
