In the world of college football, where negotiations and scheduling can often take months or even years, the recent announcement of the BYU-Notre Dame series is a refreshing reminder of the power of relationships and good communication. As BYU athletic director Brian Santiago revealed in an exclusive interview, this series came together in a remarkably short time frame, just three days before Christmas, and required 'incredible help and cooperation' from both the Big 12 and the ACC. What makes this story particularly fascinating is the serendipitous nature of the agreement. It was a combination of fortunate timing and a mutual desire to bring positive light to the Savior and college athletics. One thing that immediately stands out is the role of relationships. Santiago and Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua were connected by a mutual friend, and their conversation about the unique natures and religious missions of their universities planted the seed for the series. This highlights the importance of personal connections in the world of sports, where relationships can often be as important as the game itself. What many people don't realize is the impact of scheduling on the overall success of a program. BYU, which has been the first or second team left out of the College Football Playoff in the past two years, was desperate for a Power Four opponent in both 2026 and 2027. The withdrawal of Cal from a two-game series with BYU left a gaping hole in the Cougars' schedule. But with Notre Dame's interest in a 10th and 11th meeting, BYU was able to fill that void and secure a highly anticipated matchup. If you take a step back and think about it, the BYU-Notre Dame series is more than just a football game. It's a symbol of the power of relationships and the potential for positive change. The series is a testament to the fact that good communication and cooperation can overcome scheduling challenges and bring together two institutions with a shared religious focus. From my perspective, this story raises a deeper question about the role of faith-based universities in college athletics. It suggests that there is a way bigger play here to try to bring positive light to the Savior and college athletics in a very unique way. The religious missions of BYU and Notre Dame are connected and needed, especially in today's day and age. This series is just the start of something great for both universities, well into the future, in multiple sports. As Santiago said, '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.' And that's a mutual feeling between both of us.' This series is a reminder that relationships and good communication can overcome scheduling challenges and bring together institutions with a shared purpose. It's a testament to the power of human connection and the potential for positive change in the world of sports.
