FBS Independent

FBS Independents in 2026

FBS Independent programs operate outside the conference structure, scheduling their own opponents and negotiating individual media deals. Notre Dame is the most prominent independent, maintaining its historic NBC television contract for home games while scheduling a national slate of opponents that regularly includes Power Four competition. UConn competes as an independent after departing the American Athletic Conference, scheduling a mix of Group of Five and Power Four opponents while exploring future conference membership options.

Scheduling flexibility

Independent programs have complete control over their non-conference scheduling, which allows for national travel and marquee matchups but also requires filling a full 12-game schedule without the guaranteed conference games that affiliated teams receive. Notre Dame maintains scheduling agreements with the ACC (playing five ACC opponents annually) while retaining its independent status for football. This unique arrangement gives Notre Dame access to the College Football Playoff without a conference championship game requirement.

Schedule note

Game dates and times can change as networks and schools finalize broadcast windows. Use team pages as a countdown reference and verify official details with the school before making travel or ticket plans.