Tue Dec 09 02:50:00 UTC 2025: News Article:

Notre Dame Blasts ACC After College Football Playoff Snub, Relationship “Permanently Damaged”

South Bend, IN – Notre Dame Athletic Director Pete Bevacqua has publicly criticized the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) following the Fighting Irish’s exclusion from the College Football Playoff (CFP). Bevacqua stated the conference’s actions in advocating for the University of Miami have “permanently damaged” the relationship between the independent football program and the ACC, where Notre Dame participates in nearly all other sports.

Bevacqua’s comments, made on The Dan Patrick Show Monday, were a direct response to the ACC’s apparent support for Miami’s CFP bid, including posting a comparison of the two teams on social media, highlighting Miami’s head-to-head victory over Notre Dame. Bevacqua expressed frustration that the ACC, a key partner for Notre Dame in other sports, would actively campaign against their inclusion in the CFP.

“We were mystified by the actions of the conference to attack their biggest, really, partner in football and a member of their conference in 24 of our other sports,” Bevacqua said.

ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips issued a statement defending the conference’s support for all 17 of its football-playing members but reaffirmed Notre Dame’s value within the conference. Phillips stated the ACC was simply advocating for their members and that no suggestion was made to exclude Notre Dame from the playoff.

The snub prompted Notre Dame to decline a bowl invitation, ending their season. Bevacqua also expressed frustration with the CFP selection process, citing the rankings that had consistently placed Notre Dame within the playoff picture leading up to the final selection. After starting 0-2, Notre Dame won 10 straight games before missing the playoff.

“These rankings show, like, what’s the point? Why send these signals and get the hopes [up] of these teams…that believe they’re doing everything necessary,” Bevacqua questioned.

Bevacqua will address reporters at a press conference scheduled for noon ET today.

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