BREAKING NEWS: Notre Dame To Join ACC

Mar 9, 2012; New York, NY, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish mascot performs during the first half of the semifinals against the Louisville Cardinals of the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-US PRESSWIRE

ESPN is reporting that Notre Dame will join the ACC in all sports but football. The move will come as soon as the Irish leave Big East which requires a 27 month exit timetable. This move is absolutely devastating for the Big East, who is reshaping it’s conference while trying to maintain their identity as a college basketball power.

Notre Dame is the fourth team to leave the Big East along with West Virginia, Pittsburgh, and Syracuse. This move is nice for Syracuse fans as it is another Big East team that is traditionally good that will be joining them in the ranks of the ACC. For the Big East, it is just yet another team they will have to look to replace.

My initial reaction is one of surprise, as I thought the Big Ten would absolutely be the frontrunner in getting the Irish due to the geographic behind it. Given the entire landscape of college athletics, especially the new Big East, I realize now how silly I am for thinking that. Notre Dame is joining the ACC under pretty much the same circumstances as their current Big East agreement, but they will play 5 ACC games per year as an independent in football.

Stay tuned for more updates.