What's Happening?
Notre Dame and Auburn have agreed to a historic home-and-home football series for the 2027 and 2028 seasons. The first game will be held at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, followed by a matchup at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn. This agreement marks
the first time the two schools will face each other on the football field. Auburn's decision to move their 2026 game against Baylor to a neutral site was influenced by these talks, allowing for NIL activations tied to ticket sales.
Why It's Important?
The series between Notre Dame and Auburn is significant for both schools, offering a chance to strengthen their schedules and enhance their national profiles. For Notre Dame, facing an SEC opponent aligns with the College Football Playoff's emphasis on 'record strength.' Auburn's strategic move to a neutral site for the Baylor game highlights the growing influence of NIL opportunities in college sports. The series also reflects broader trends in college football scheduling, with schools seeking high-profile matchups to boost their playoff chances.
What's Next?
Both schools will prepare for the upcoming series, focusing on maintaining competitive teams and leveraging the games for recruitment and fan engagement. Auburn's move to a neutral site for the Baylor game may set a precedent for future scheduling decisions influenced by NIL opportunities. Notre Dame will aim to secure another CFP appearance under head coach Marcus Freeman, while Auburn will strategize to maximize the benefits of the historic series.
Beyond the Headlines
The agreement underscores the evolving landscape of college football, with NIL opportunities increasingly influencing scheduling decisions. The series highlights the importance of strategic matchups in enhancing a school's national profile and playoff prospects. It also reflects the growing emphasis on 'record strength' in the College Football Playoff selection process, encouraging schools to seek challenging opponents.
