Awful Announcing has a take on this announcement.

Awful Announcing has a take on this announcement.
by G.K.Chesterton (2023-06-08 13:07:50)

In reply to: Swarbrick stepping down in 2024 (link) posted by RISteve

I suggest reading the whole piece, but here's one excerpt:

The other critical upcoming decision for Notre Dame is going to be about continuing with football independence or joining a conference. Under Swarbrick, that independence has been a key priority, and there’s no imminent indication of it changing. But the shifting conference realignment landscape has those discussions resurfacing a lot lately. The Big Ten reportedly has a specific escalator clause for Notre Dame, and if that conference continues to gain strength, that could be an option.

And while it looks less attractive at the moment, the ACC may be getting real desperate to try and add Notre Dame in football. That conference is falling further and further behind in media revenue, and with their current TV deals locked in through 2036, adding Notre Dame is one of the few things that could really improve their situation. And their recent some-animals-are-more-equal-than-others decision on revenue splits to try and appease some prominent upset members indicates some movement on not having to treat all schools the same, which could be key for Notre Dame.

Click here for link at https://awfulannouncing.com/comcast/pete-bevacqua-nbc-sports

The ACC in full is not an option.

I hate everything about what the B1G and SEC are doing to college football, but the fact of the matter is everyone not playing against teams from those leagues going forward is probably going to be treated as second-class when it comes to the CFP, recruiting, all of it. ND cannot, and I believe will not, tie themselves to that league given that knowledge.