Big 12 conference realignment: Is Notre Dame finally shedding away its independent status?

Notre Dame is the only college football powerhouse that remains independent in the Football Bowl Subdivision. The university has never in its history aligned with a conference in football, a status it cherishes so much. However, modern needs seem to be calling for a change: Notre Dame to Big 12.

The Fighting Irish have over the years been linked to a move to the Big Ten. However, the latest rumors are linking Notre Dame to the Big 12. Notre Dame, alongside the trio of Florida State, Clemson, and Miami, is reportedly in deep talks with the Big 12 over a possible move.

This move was considered largely unlikely in the college football world, but the latest rumors suggest it could become a reality. While the Seminoles, Tigers, and Hurricanes are considering moving out of the Atlantic Coast Conference, the Fighting Irish's involvement in the discussion is a huge surprise.

As Notre Dame to Big 12 happens, will the university shed its independent status?

The independent status in college football is what makes Notre Dame unique in the landscape. The Fighting Irish have always cherished their status and want to protect it. Thus, the university athletic director Pete Bevacqua made it known in March that the status is now more valuable.

“We are now in as good of a position as we've ever been in the modern era of college football to be independent," Bevacqua said. “You see all the conference realignment, you see everything that's happened, I think our position as being independent in football quite frankly is certainly more unique than ever, but also more valuable than ever."

However, the realities of the current college football landscape might not allow the university to retain its independent status for long. The Fighting Irish are currently generating less revenue in television rights from NBC than they would if they were a member of either the SEC or the Big Ten.

This could eventually force the university to align with a conference. However, it will explore other options to generate revenue before it considers shedding its independence.

Where will Notre Dame eventually land?

The news of Notre Dame to Big 12 comes as a huge surprise for many analysts in the college football world. Many don't think the league has what it takes to lure the Fighting Irish.

However, its new revenue-generating strategies could play a role. The Big 12 is exploring several avenues to bridge the gap between the SEC and the Big Ten, and this could possibly be attractive to the university.

The Big Ten has always been seen as the likely option should the Fighting Irish decide to shed their independent status. The conference has the program in its unofficial plans with a reported “Notre Dame clause” in its media contract. This stipulates the TV partner to pay the league more if the Fighting Irish join.