The Notre Dame Fighting Irish would like to play the Clemson Tigers every year.

In college football, rivalries are the lifeblood of the sport. They give the game an electric atmosphere, full of intensity, tradition, and pageantry. While some rivalries are born from years of history, others develop more organically, often driven by competitive balance, geographical proximity, or significant moments in time. One such rivalry that has emerged in recent years is the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Clemson Tigers.

Historically, Notre Dame has always been one of the most recognized names in college football. With its iconic stadium, loyal fan base, and storied history, the Fighting Irish have often been at the forefront of college football discussion. Clemson, while not as steeped in the same tradition as Notre Dame, has risen to the upper echelons of the sport in recent years, thanks to its dominance in the ACC and its success under head coach Dabo Swinney. The Tigers have been a national contender for nearly a decade, winning multiple national championships and producing NFL talent year after year.

As both programs have become regular contenders for playoff berths, and given the growing intensity of their matchups, the Fighting Irish have voiced their desire to make playing the Clemson Tigers an annual event. This is a rivalry that has grown in significance, both on and off the field, and one that could serve as the perfect backdrop for college football in the years to come.

The History of Notre Dame vs. Clemson

Before diving into why Notre Dame would like to play Clemson every year, it is important to understand the history of their matchups and how this rivalry has taken shape.

The two programs have met infrequently over the years, with some major matchups taking place in high-stakes games. Historically, the first meeting between the two teams occurred in 1977, when Notre Dame defeated Clemson 21–17 in a non-conference game. However, due to scheduling conflicts, the two teams didn’t meet again until 2015, when they played in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game in Atlanta. That game marked the beginning of a growing sense of mutual respect and competitive edge between the two programs.

It wasn’t until 2020, however, that their rivalry truly began to take shape. In what was a historic year for college football, Clemson and Notre Dame met in South Bend for a highly anticipated matchup. The game was particularly exciting for college football fans because of the high stakes it carried for the College Football Playoff (CFP). The Fighting Irish were riding high under Brian Kelly, and the Tigers, led by Trevor Lawrence, had a dominant roster. What made the game even more intriguing was that Notre Dame was playing without their starting quarterback Ian Book for much of the game, yet still managed to beat the Tigers 47–40 in overtime. It was one of the most thrilling games of the season and firmly placed Notre Dame on the national map, not only as a contender for a playoff spot but as a potential powerhouse in college football.

In 2021, the two teams faced off again in the ACC Championship Game, where Clemson emerged victorious, reaffirming its dominance in the ACC. This victory helped to solidify Clemson’s standing as one of the top programs in the nation. Although the Tigers won the game, Notre Dame’s competitive spirit and resilience were on full display, showing that they could go toe-to-toe with one of the best teams in the country.

These two matchups, among others, have sparked the desire for more frequent meetings. What started as an occasional intersection of schedules has evolved into a rivalry that both teams would like to see become a yearly occurrence. With both teams consistently competing at a high level, it seems like the perfect time for them to renew their rivalry and build a tradition that could dominate college football for years to come.

Why Notre Dame Wants Clemson Every Year

The desire for Notre Dame to face off with Clemson annually stems from several factors, both competitive and financial. The implications of such a yearly rivalry would extend well beyond just the football field, impacting recruiting, fan engagement, and national attention. Here are a few of the reasons why Notre Dame would love to play Clemson every year.

1. Competitive Balance and Prestige

Both Notre Dame and Clemson are elite programs that consistently rank among the top teams in college football. Playing Clemson annually would be an opportunity for Notre Dame to measure itself against one of the most successful programs of the past decade. Clemson’s consistent dominance in the ACC, particularly in the postseason, has earned them a reputation as a national power, and they’ve been to the College Football Playoff multiple times. The Tigers have produced Heisman contenders, future NFL stars, and NFL-ready defenses.

For Notre Dame, playing Clemson every year offers an opportunity to prove itself as a true contender on the national stage. The Fighting Irish already face tough competition, especially since their membership in the ACC for football makes them a regular opponent for Clemson, but having a fixed rivalry with the Tigers would increase the national spotlight on their program.

Playing a powerhouse like Clemson every year helps both teams remain relevant in the ever-competitive landscape of college football, and it ensures that both teams are constantly measuring themselves against elite competition. As both teams strive for a spot in the playoff, their matchups would hold significant weight in the race for a spot in the national championship picture.

2. Recruiting Benefits

One of the most important aspects of college football is recruiting, and having a rivalry with Clemson would undoubtedly benefit Notre Dame’s recruiting efforts. Players want to play in high-profile games, and an annual matchup with Clemson would provide the Fighting Irish with exposure on a national stage. It would also serve as an excellent recruitment tool, allowing Notre Dame to showcase its talent against an elite program and potentially convince recruits that it is capable of competing for championships.

For both teams, this rivalry game could become an important fixture in recruiting circles, as both schools are known for attracting high-profile recruits. A game between two national contenders would be an attractive proposition for any recruit, and Notre Dame can benefit from the opportunity to recruit top talent by showcasing the program on the big stage year after year.

3. Fan Engagement and Tradition

College football is driven by its passionate fan bases, and Notre Dame’s loyal supporters are among the most dedicated in the nation. Adding Clemson to the schedule every year would significantly enhance the fan experience, as the rivalry would generate excitement, anticipation, and intensity. The added storyline of playing Clemson annually would bring both fan bases together, increasing ticket sales, viewership, and the overall excitement surrounding college football.

The Fighting Irish have a long and storied history of rivalries, from their annual games against USC to their matchups with Michigan and Navy. However, the possibility of a yearly matchup with Clemson is one that could grow into a unique and intense rivalry. The clash of these two powerhouses, with contrasting styles and fanbases, could create an atmosphere similar to other iconic college football rivalries, and fans would look forward to it every season.

In terms of television and media, an annual Notre Dame-Clemson game would be one of the most-watched games of the year, drawing national attention and boosting the college football calendar. A regular game between two elite teams would undoubtedly become a tradition in college football, one that fans look forward to each season.

4. Playoff Implications

As both Clemson and Notre Dame are usually contenders for spots in the College Football Playoff, an annual matchup between the two teams would add significant weight to the regular season. For one, both teams have the potential to be undefeated or have just one loss when they meet, making their matchup even more consequential.

A Notre Dame-Clemson game with playoff implications on the line would be high stakes for both programs. With a victory in such a high-profile game, the winner would likely solidify their position as one of the top teams in the country and gain a significant advantage in the CFP rankings. Additionally, a loss in this matchup might hurt a team’s playoff chances, making each game matter even more.

This scenario would heighten the level of competition, creating a dynamic atmosphere each year when the two teams meet. The national championship race would be shaped by their annual showdown, and it could lead to even more dramatic moments and storylines.

Challenges to Making It Happen

While the idea of an annual Notre Dame-Clemson game sounds exciting, there are several challenges that might make it difficult to implement. First, scheduling could be a significant hurdle. Both teams are already playing difficult schedules, and with the added pressure of conference championships and potential playoff berths, it can be difficult to carve out time for an annual non-conference rivalry game.

Additionally, with both schools being in different conferences—Notre Dame being independent and Clemson being part of the ACC—the logistics of adding another game to the schedule might complicate things. Clemson already has several conference matchups each season, and adding Notre Dame to the list could create scheduling issues.

Finally, there is the consideration of potential playoff rematches. While many college football fans would relish the idea of two powerhouse teams playing each other every year, the annual game could lead to teams facing off more frequently than desired in the postseason, leading to over-saturation of the matchup.

A Rivalry Worth Pursuing

Despite the logistical and scheduling challenges, an annual matchup between Notre Dame and Clemson would be a thrilling and worthwhile endeavor for both schools, their fans, and the sport as a whole. The combination of intense competition, national implications, recruiting benefits, and fan engagement would make it a college football rivalry for the ages.

As the two programs continue to contend for national championships, their annual clash could become one of the marquee matchups in college football, attracting attention from across the country and elevating both teams to even greater heights. If Notre Dame and Clemson are able to make this rivalry an annual event, the college football world would be richer for it, and fans of both teams would have a new tradition to look forward to for years to come.