Penn State’s James Franklin Says Notre Dame Should Join a Conference Prior to Orange Bowl Showdown

James Franklin wasn’t shy about how he would bring about equality in the new era of the 12-team College Football Playoff. 

In the lead-up to Thursday night’s Orange Bowl, with a national championship berth on the line, Penn State’s James Franklin and Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman shared the stage for a joint press conference.

The exchange was as compelling as the game promises to be. Franklin highlighted what he viewed as an inherent imbalance in college football: Notre Dame’s independence. He noted the lack of a conference schedule, the absence of common opponents, and the advantage of resting during conference championship week.

Freeman, poised and resolute, didn’t let the remarks go unanswered. He defended the Irish’s unique position, pointing to the freedom it grants in scheduling and the tradition it represents. Two philosophies, one stage—Thursday night, it’s decided on the field.

Franklin Calls For Equality Across Conferences and Games Played

James Franklin leaned into the moment, gesturing toward his counterpart at the podium, Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman. There was no animosity in his tone, only a conviction rooted in his vision for the game he loves.

Before outlining his proposal to improve college football’s structure, Franklin made it clear: his comments were not a critique of Freeman or Notre Dame. Still, his message was unmistakable.

“The Notre Dame Fighting Irish should be in a conference—once and for all,” Franklin declared.

Speaking on the eve of Thursday night’s College Football Playoff semifinal at Hard Rock Stadium (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN), Franklin emphasized his belief in a more unified future for the sport. The winner of the game between Penn State and Notre Dame will advance to the first expanded CFP championship in Atlanta on Jan. 20.

Franklin reiterated his call for a national commissioner to guide the sport, an earlier season start to ease scheduling pressures, and consistent standards across conferences. He pointed out the imbalance: the Big Ten plays nine league games annually, while the SEC plays eight.

"This is no knock at coach or Notre Dame, but I think everybody should be in a conference." 👀

James Franklin shares his thoughts about the consistency across the college football landscape during a presser with Marcus Freeman ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/apfFqZfNzx

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) January 8, 2025

“I think everybody should be in a conference. Everybody should play a conference championship game, or no one should play a conference championship game,” Franklin said. “I think everybody should play the same number of conference games.”

As Franklin spoke, it wasn’t just about fairness; it was about the future of college football, a vision that blends tradition with progress, ensuring the game thrives for generations to come.

Marcus Freeman Responds to James Franklin

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman approached the question with the poise of a leader who knows the weight of his program’s history. When asked Wednesday about the Fighting Irish’s independent status, Freeman offered a thoughtful defense.

For Freeman and Notre Dame officials, independence isn’t just a status—it’s a strategic advantage. It provides the freedom to craft a schedule that promotes its iconic brand, which resonates not just across the nation but around the globe.

The benefits of independence extend beyond tradition. Without a conference championship to contend for, the Irish avoid one more taxing hurdle before the College Football Playoff. That streamlined path, paired with their storied NBC television deal, generates revenue in the tens of millions—a financial cornerstone for a program that thrives on its autonomy.

Marcus Freeman 🤝 James Franklin pic.twitter.com/6KHNT0WAop

— Joel Haas (@Joel_Haas1) January 8, 2025

“We know we can’t play in a championship game, and we can’t have a first-round bye, but we continue to use not playing week 13 as our bye, and that’s the way we view it,” Freeman said.

“In terms of the finances and the TV deals, I’m sure that people can go into further details about that, but obviously I’m sure that’s another positive that we view being independent provides us. For us, whatever you’re going to tell us, we’ll make the most of. We pride ourselves on our independence. If they come out with a decision, we can’t be independent, then we’ll make it work,” Freeman explained.

In Freeman’s words, you could hear the echoes of a legacy—and the steadfast commitment to preserving it.