ESPN insider delves into reasons behind the Big Ten's interest in adding Notre Dame

The Big Ten’s addition of USC and UCLA has opened more doors for potential new members for the conference. At the front of that line, at least for the Big Ten, sits Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish’s independence along with their academic and athletic success has made them a hot commodity in these discussions.

In a recent article discussing the Irish’s willingness to join a conference, ESPN Senior Writer Heather Dinich says any potential fit along with their independent foundation is yet to be sorted through.

“The Irish are such a valuable commodity that the SEC would also be interested, but multiple sources outside the SEC have said it’s geographically and philosophically a better fit with the Big Ten,” said Dinich. “What often gets lost or forgotten in the public speculation of conference realignment, though, is that Notre Dame’s independence is central to its identity as an entire university — not just its football team.”

Notre Dame’s freedom as an independent in football and as a school is a bottom line value to them. It allows them to be unique in scheduling the best opponents they choose each year. Marcus Freeman said in the piece that it’s something they embrace.

“When the football program first started, that’s what we did. We went and we challenged anybody across the nation. We said, ‘We don’t need to be in a conference. Let’s go play the best team, let’s go challenge everybody.’ That’s who we are,” said Notre Dame’s head football coach. “Playing one of the toughest schedules in the country, which we do every year, is a risk. That’s who we are at the core of our foundation so I’ve embraced it. The championship, as long as you have a schedule that is justifiable to get you to the playoff, (is) all that matters.”

Either of the new ‘super conferences’ will continue to discuss Notre Dame as an option. It provides too much of a boost across the board to ignore. Both the Big Ten and the SEC would wait for them if it meant bringing the Irish into the fold. As one Big Ten source told Dinich, they’re the program that makes the biggest difference in this conversation.

“We’re kind of still in an evaluation mode but there’s no question (Notre Dame) just moves the needle differently than most schools.”