Notre Dame AD Bevacqua Rips CFP, 'Playoff Was Stolen From' Players After Bracket Snub

Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua wasn't pleased after the Fighting Irish were left out of the 2025-26 College Football Playoff.

"We feel like the playoff was stolen from our student-athletes," Bevacqua told Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger.

Miami ultimately ended up receiving the final at-large playoff nod, while Notre Dame fell just outside of the 12-team field.

The Hurricanes and Fighting Irish both hold 10-2 records, while Miami emerged victorious in their Aug. 31 head-to-head matchup with a 27-24 win.

Notre Dame still ranked above the Hurricanes in each weekly edition of the CFP rankings heading into Sunday, though.

"There is no explanation that could possibly be given to explain the outcome," Bevacqua told Dellenger. "As I said to Marcus, one thing is for sure: Any rankings or show prior to this last one is an absolute joke and a waste of time. Why put these young student-athletes through these false emotions just to pull the rug out from underneath them having not played a game in two weeks and then a group of people in a room shatter their dreams without explanation?"

College Football Playoff selection committee chair Hunter Yurachek explained that BYU's loss to Texas Tech in the Big 12 Championship Game resulted in the direct comparison between Miami and Notre Dame, with the committee then utilizing the Aug. 31 matchup to make a choice.

The Cougars were listed in between the Hurricanes and Fighting Irish in the CFP rankings prior to falling in the Big 12 title game.

Despite the playoff result, Notre Dame still isn't considering joining a conference.

"We love being independent in football. It's part of our DNA," Bevacqua said. "We have zero intention of changing that. It's part of who Notre Dame is. Quite frankly, this further cements our independence. We are out there fighting for ourselves. That's something we accept."

The Fighting Irish have made three CFP appearances and advanced to the semifinals last season, but will now prepare for a bowl game outside the playoff.