Bret Bielema urges Notre Dame to join a football conference

Illinois head coach Bret Bielema has called on Notre Dame to join a college football conference amid increasing chatter about restructuring divisions. Notre Dame's commitment to independence is challenged by discussions around a potential super league, supported by moves to expand the College Football Playoff. Athletic director Pete Bevacqua indicated that this new format could maximize media interests but expressed doubts about the benefits of a super league. Bielema noted that the Fighting Irish would encounter rigorous competition if they joined one of the major conferences, which would help them schedule tougher opponents more consistently.

• 12:54 AMYahoo Sports — Big Ten Coach Urges Notre Dame to Join a Conference