(BCSNN) - They say you can only hide your true colors for so long, and the whole of College Football seemingly worked together to hide those of Notre Dame. That ended yesterday, when Irish Football let it be known just how entitled, spoiled, and flat-out "bratty" Notre Dame has become. Stunned by its exclusion from the College Football Playoff, Notre Dame spit in the face of its fans, seniors, and the rest of College Football when the Irish announced that ND would not even participate in a bowl game this postseason - a decision that comes across less like strategy and more like sulking.

Athletic director Pete Bevacqua said the program was in “utter disbelief and shock” after being left out of the 12-team CFP field. The Fighting Irish (10–2) had been ranked in the top 10 throughout the season but fell to No. 11 in the final rankings, just outside the playoff cut. Miami, which beat Notre Dame in Week 1, jumped ahead to claim the final at-large berth.

“As a team, we’ve decided to withdraw our name from consideration for a bowl game following the 2025 season,” read a statement posted on social media credited to the Notre Dame football team. “We appreciate all the support from our families and fans, and we’re hoping to bring the 12th national title to South Bend in 2026.” Let's hope the Irish don't lose too many games early. That 2026 title run might just end in Week 8 if Notre Dame doesn't think it's given the path it so richly deserves. Finish the season? Why, if we aren't guaranteed a Playoff bid?

The move means Notre Dame will forfeit a $4 million CFP payout, money that independent programs like the Irish keep entirely rather than splitting with conference members. Instead of salvaging the season with a bowl appearance, the Irish chose to sit out, projecting an image of entitlement rather than resilience.

Bevacqua vented frustration with the process, calling earlier CFP rankings a “farce and total waste of time.” He said the team felt blindsided, believing its consistent top-10 placement ensured a playoff spot. He's right though - because those rankings were a farce; Notre Dame never should have been ranked that high.

CFP chair Hunter Yurachek explained Miami’s head-to-head win was decisive once the Hurricanes moved past BYU in the rankings. “You look at those two teams on paper, and they are almost equal… but the one metric we had to fall back on, again, was the head-to-head,” Yurachek said.

Notre Dame’s decision not to play highlights the program’s unique position as an independent - and its tendency to act differently than peers. While other teams regroup and accept bowl bids, the Irish appear to be pouting, waiting for next year’s expanded playoff to guarantee them a spot if they finish in the top 12.

For now, Notre Dame’s season ends not with a fight, but with a withdrawal. And the quitters will not be missed.