Notre Dame Rivalries That We Want To See Fill The Schedule

In this episode of Irish Breakdown, hosts Brian and Trev dive into a passionate and personal discussion about Notre Dame's ideal football scheduling, focusing on reviving traditional rivalries and forging new ones. They begin by acknowledging that Navy and Clemson are locked in long-term commitments, then explore which traditional rivals should return annually. Brian surprisingly excludes Michigan from his list, citing deep personal disdain for the program despite its historical rivalry, and instead champions USC for its storied past and potential for renewed animosity. He also highlights Michigan State and Purdue as meaningful in-state rivals with rich histories. Trev agrees on USC as a top priority but emphasizes the emotional weight of rivalry, advocating for teams that generate genuine fan and player hatred. For non-traditional rivals, both agree on BYU as a top choice due to religious contrast, similar academic values, and competitive potential. They also champion Tennessee and Texas A&M for their geographic proximity and competitive history, with Brian favoring Louisville and Trev proposing a rotating schedule with academic powerhouses like Northwestern, Vanderbilt, Duke, and Stanford. The conversation reveals how personal history, team performance, and emotional investment shape perceptions of rivalry, with both hosts arguing that not every game needs to be elite—some value lies in tradition, proximity, and recruiting exposure. The episode concludes with a reflection on how generational experiences shape fan sentiment: Brian, who grew up during Notre Dame's dominance over USC, views the rivalry with respect, while Trev, shaped by recent controversies, sees it with more animosity. Similarly, both acknowledge that their views on teams like Michigan, Miami, and Purdue have been influenced by the era in which they followed the program. The hosts challenge the notion that every game must be a 'matter' in the national conversation, arguing that some rivalries matter more for tradition, regional pride, and program identity than for national rankings. They also suggest Notre Dame should leverage its influence to negotiate better scheduling terms with the ACC, demanding more games against key rivals like Pitt, BC, and Miami. Ultimately, the discussion is less about strategy and more about identity—what Notre Dame's schedule should reflect about who they are as a program.