The BYU-Notre Dame football series, once a distant dream, became a reality in 2026 and 2027, thanks to a rare confluence of timing, trust, and shared religious values. This case study reveals how even the most improbable collaborations can emerge when institutions prioritize relationship-building over rigid schedules. What makes this particularly fascinating is how two institutions with deeply rooted traditions—BYU’s faith-based mission and Notre Dame’s Catholic heritage—found common ground in a sport that, for many, is a symbol of their spiritual identity.
The story begins with a stroke of luck. In December 2025, BYU athletic director Brian Santiago, newly appointed after Tom Holmoe’s departure, reached out to Notre Dame’s Pete Bevacqua via text. Their initial conversation, sparked by a mutual friend, revealed a shared appreciation for the “unique natures” of their universities. Santiago noted that the Cougars’ desire to play the best available competition, regardless of conference, was a driving force. But the real breakthrough came when both teams were left out of the College Football Playoff, forcing them to seek alternative matchups. The Big 12 and ACC, which had long been rivals, collaborated to create a schedule that fit both schools’ calendars.
What makes this collaboration so remarkable is the cultural resonance it carries. BYU, as a church-affiliated institution, views its athletic programs as extensions of its mission to uplift and serve. Notre Dame, a Catholic university, sees its games as opportunities to reinforce its values of community and tradition. The decision to play in Provo, despite the logistical hurdles, reflects a deeper strategy: to foster a legacy that transcends sports. Santiago emphasized, ‘We both have said to each other, ‘Hey, this is just the start of something great for our two universities, well into the future, in multiple sports.’’ This mutual respect, born from years of dialogue, underscores a trend where religious institutions are increasingly leveraging sports as a platform for shared purpose.
The series’ timing was also fortuitous. Notre Dame’s withdrawal from the CFP and the Cal Bears’ cancellation of their Provo games created a vacuum that BYU filled. The Cougars’ 11-2 record in 2024 and 12-2 in 2025 made their bid for a bowl game a high-stakes gamble. Yet, the decision to play in Provo wasn’t just about competition—it was about aligning with a vision that extends beyond football. Santiago’s remarks about the “way bigger play” of bringing light to the Savior’s mission highlight a broader theme: sports as a tool for spiritual engagement.
This partnership also raises questions about the future of college athletics. While BYU’s Power Four nonconference games are already booked through 2033, the 2026-2027 series signals a shift toward long-term strategic alliances. The fact that both schools are now discussing other matchups in the immediate future suggests a paradigm change in how institutions approach scheduling. For BYU fans, the series is more than a game—it’s a testament to the power of faith and collaboration.
In my opinion, this case study challenges the notion that sports are purely competitive. Instead, it reveals how institutions can use their missions to build bridges across divides. The BYU-Notre Dame matchup is a microcosm of a larger trend: religious organizations are increasingly recognizing the value of partnerships that transcend traditional boundaries. As the Cougars and Irish prepare to face each other in Provo, the question remains: will this collaboration redefine the future of college athletics, or will it be another footnote in the annals of sports history? The answer lies in how these institutions choose to wield their power—whether to uplift, to unite, or to compete.
