Never rule out the idea of Notre Dame potentially shifting to a conference and abandoning its legendary status as college football’s most notable independent team. However, according to coach Marcus Freeman, that moment is not upon us yet.

The Irish, currently ranked 12th with a record of 5-2, are taking a break before capitalizing on a five-game winning streak against Boston College on November 1.

“The future of college athletics is always uncertain,” Freeman stated during an appearance on Bussin’ With The Boys. “With the rise of private equity and the looming changes in these conferences, if a time comes when Notre Dame needs to affiliate with a conference to ensure access to the Playoff, I’m confident our administration would act accordingly.”

Freeman added, “Currently, the administration and I, along with everyone, feel assured that if we perform as expected, we have just as strong a chance to reach the playoffs as any other team.”

His sentiments echo those of Notre Dame’s athletic director Pete Bevacqua regarding the advantages of maintaining independence.

Why Current Playoff Format Benefits Independent Irish

Without a conference affiliation, Notre Dame competes for one of seven at-large playoff spots, provided the five automatic bids are filled by champions from the SEC, ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, and Group of Six teams.

Prior to the alterations in this year’s selection process, Notre Dame wasn’t eligible for a top-four seed’s opening-round bye, which only accommodated champions from Power Four or Group of Five conferences. With the selection committee now evaluating the overall prowess of the nation’s top teams, Notre Dame’s prospects improve tremendously through strategic scheduling and successful seasons.

Consider the current season for Freeman’s squad. Despite losing their opening two games against ranked opponents—Miami and Texas A&M —the Irish have a chance to secure their playoff spot, needing five wins from here on out.

If successful, Notre Dame could finish the season on a ten-game winning streak, one of the nation’s longest, unless undefeated teams like Texas A&M, Georgia Tech, and BYU also remain unbeaten.

Through the history of the playoff since 2014, Notre Dame has appeared three times as an independent, including last year’s draw as the seventh seed hosting 10th-seeded Indiana.

Earlier this year, Bevacqua expressed that the Irish are currently “in a very good spot” concerning the playoffs as an independent.

“No secret, the expansion from four to twelve teams has greatly enhanced our prospects as it provides better opportunities and improved odds for playoff consideration. The more we knock at the national championship door, the better for us,” Bevacqua said in an ESPN interview. “We appreciate the freedom it grants us, as seen in our events like playing Navy at MetLife and participating in the Shamrock Series against Army at Yankee Stadium while maintaining our great rivalries with USC. This allows us to ensure a national presence, which benefits our football program and the university greatly.”