Notre Dame and Clemson Agree on 12-Year Series

Notre Dame vs. Clemson. Get used to it. 

According to Yahoo’s Ross Dellenger, Notre Dame and Clemson have agreed to an annual game for 12 years starting in 2027. ISD sources have also confirmed the agreement. 

Notre Dame, which is not part of the ACC but plays five annual games against the conference, will maintain that status, and the game against the Tigers will count toward those yearly games. 

The move boosts both programs on a yearly basis, which is needed considering the ACC's nosedive in football and it’s the first new series of at least 12 games for Notre Dame since 2002. 

“We strive to consistently create a football schedule that positions us for success in the College Football Playoff, and that goal requires us to form historic partnerships like this one with Clemson,” said Notre Dame Vice President and James E. Rohr Director of Athletics Pete Bevacqua. “This rivalry has already produced some of the most memorable moments in recent college football history, and our fans deserve these matchups to continue to make those indelible memories.”

Both teams made the College Football Playoff in 2024 and were already set to meet in 2027, 2028, 2031, 2034 and 2037. 

Notre Dame being for a deal of this nature shouldn’t come as a surprise. Bevacqua hinted at it during a media session before the National Title game in Atlanta. 

“I think our ACC obligation and our relationship with the ACC are incredibly important to us,” stated Bevacqua. “When you think about that, when we play like Clemson, I think that has become such a great rivalry in such a short amount of time. I would tell you that’s the type of game I’d love to play every year.” 

In Notre Dame’s case, the marquee game gives the Irish another chance to impress the College Football Playoff committee and maintain its valued independence. 

“We love being independent, as you all know,” said Bevacqua. “But also, the ACC relationship for Notre Dame is very important. It’s the home of 24 of our 26 programs, and we want to do everything we can to help them in those sports, but also, what can the power of Notre Dame football do when you think about some of those ACC programs coming together? That’s great for us and that’s great for the ACC.” 

Mission accomplished. 

As conference realignment continues to reshape college football, Bevacqua remains focused on strengthening Notre Dame’s schedule while keeping a clear path to the playoff.

“It’s always been Notre Dame’s style to play the best teams available,” Bevacqua said. “You can’t play murder’s row every year, but you never know what you’re going to get.

“These are all young kids who want to play and compete day in and day out. Whether you’re playing Ohio State or a different team, you always know you’re going to get their best when those teams are playing Notre Dame. We’ll continue to schedule as aggressively as we can.” 

Clemson leads the all-time series 5-3 and at least one team has been ranked in the top 15 over the last eight meetings, which includes both teams being ranked in the top five during a three-game stretch from 2018-20. 

GAME LOCATIONS

SERIES HISTORY
1977: Notre Dame 21 Clemson 17
1979: Clemson 16 Notre Dame 10
2015: Clemson 24 Notre Dame 22
2018: Clemson 30 Notre Dame 3 (CFP)
2020: Notre Dame 47 Clemson 40
2020: Clemson 34 Notre Dame 10 (ACC Championship) 
2022: Notre Dame 35 Clemson 14
2023: Clemson 31 Notre Dame 23

Under Armour Green Notre Dame Fighting Irish Script School Logo All Day Raglan Pullover Hoodie