Joe Theismann believes new rivalries in college football are a good thing.
As the college football landscape evolves, and Notre Dame-Clemson becomes a fixture in the sport’s calendar every fall from 2026 until 2038, Theismann told me at a 2025 American Century Championship press conference on Wednesday that he’s ready to follow it every step of the way.
First and foremost, it makes dollars and sense for his alma mater for all athletic programs. And it’s necessary for the Fighting Irish’s continued independence from any college football conference, according to the former NFL MVP.
“I think it's exciting to have new rivalries,” Theismann said. “As I said, the conferences continue to change. USC and UCLA in the Big Ten. Who would have thought that three, four, five years ago?
“And having a home-and-home series with Clemson is exciting. It's a great program. Terrific school. They've done a terrific job there.
“And for us to be able to continue to be an independent and play in different conferences, this is something that needs to happen. And we're certainly going to be up to the task, I can tell you that.”
I asked Theismann about whether getting used to taking on the Clemson Tigers meant an ACC move could be in the future.
He conceded he’s not totally sure what AD Pete Bevacqua has up his sleeve, but maintained liking the idea of gaining more revenue for the entire athletic department and student body in South Bend.
“You know, I don't know what Pete's going to do out there. I'm not sure what decisions the university wants to make regarding joining the conference or not joining the conference,” Theismann said.
“Like I say, I think we're very comfortable where we are. Certainly you're always going to consider it. You consider the possibilities.
“Economically, when you think about the economics that a university gets, it isn't like the program, the football program or basketball program gets it. Everybody benefits. The educational part of it is so vitally important. The different departments are given an opportunity to be able to expand with what they're able to do with the student body.”
The American Century Championship will air from Friday to Sunday on NBC, Peacock, and the GOLF Channel. Theismann is one of over 90 athletes and celebrities in the annual mid-July golf tournament at Edgewood Tahoe in Stateline, Nevada.