BYU, Notre Dame Moving Closer Towards Scheduling Another Game

PROVO, Utah – It feels like ancient history at this point, but there was a time in 2010 when BYU football scheduled a six-game agreement with Notre Dame. At the time of the announcement 11 years ago, both faith-based, Independent programs were set to play all six games before the 2020 season.

After 11 years, only two games have been played, with three of the contests being canceled. Leaving BYU waiting for one home game against Notre Dame after the first two games were played in South Bend.

When BYU and Notre Dame first agreed on their six-game series, the Irish didn’t have a scheduling agreement with the ACC. Since partnering up with the ACC for five games annually each year, the Irish have not created openings to schedule BYU.

For a while, there was doubt about whether BYU had a remaining contract with Notre Dame or if the Cougars were going to get a payday from the Irish. The past three years have sparked optimism that another game will be played. But big questions are remaining.

When will the two schools meet again, and maybe the most important question, where will the game be played?

BYU/Notre Dame game on the horizon?

BYU Athletic Director Tom Holmoe hopped on BYUtv gave an update on that game, after being asked what the status was with the Irish.

.@TomHolmoe says there's been some discussion with Notre Dame 👀#BYUMediaDay #BYUFootball pic.twitter.com/RgyFe15jrx

— BYU Sports Nation (@BYUSportsNation) June 17, 2021

“Hey, let me tell ya, there’s been some really good discussions with Notre Dame. In years past, it’s been crickets on the set. But I would say that there are good discussions,” Holmoe said. “I think we’re getting close to being able to put together a game that would benefit both of our schools.”

Back in January 2020, Holmoe acknowledged that neutral sites were discussed. Months before that, Notre Dame AD Jack Swarbrick said the Irish would “absolutely be playing BYU” in the future.

Notre Dame has at least 10 opponents scheduled from 2022-2026. When looking at the 2022 schedules, both teams currently have only 11 games scheduled next year. Maybe there’s a chance both teams find an opening for next season?

BYU and Notre Dame have played eight games against one another. The Irish lead the all-time series, 6-2. BYU’s victories came in 1994 and 2004.

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12-3 pm) on KSL Newsradio. Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.

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