Was Notre Dame ever in a conference?

[GoingGreen]

Have we always been independent? Or were we once in a conference? Just a simple question I can't seem to find the answer to.

 

[General Colon Bowel]

I believe we've always been independent. Way back in the day, we tried to join the Big Ten. But Michigan's coach, Fielding Yost, blocked us out.

 

[edgesofsanity]

Always.

Bleacher Report

Though Notre Dame has always been an independent, the "historic" desire for independence is only about 25 years old. While that seems like a long time, I can think of another event that last occurred 22 years ago that ND fans still remember.

and The Observer

Before you dismiss football as a secondary issue, consider the fact that Notre Dame, as a university, is what it is today thanks to the success of its football team. Notre Dame is, and always has been, an independent football team. Oh, we tried to join the Big Ten back in the early 1900s, but Fielding Yost and Michigan wouldn't be associated with a group of blue collar Catholics. So, blackballed by our geographical neighbors, the Irish set out to play teams across the country, traveling from New York to Georgia to California and winning everywhere along the way. Since we didn't have a conference to win, national championships became the only standard, and that standard continues today.

CBS sports

Notre Dame has been an independent in football for all of its 121 seasons, although not always by choice.