More Coverage When It Matters Most!

Dear Blue & Gold Illustrated Subscribers,
The expansion of the College Football Playoff has changed the landscape of college football coverage. Going forward, we are updating our publishing schedule to better align with the expanded College Football Playoff format to ensure you receive timely and comprehensive coverage when it matters most. This means more issues during the season, fewer in the offseason and no change in the base subscription price. Here’s what you need to know:
✦ NEW POSTSEASON ISSUES
BGI will now publish issues immediately following each Notre Dame football playoff game, ensuring real-time analysis and in-depth coverage when you want them most.
✦ VARIABLE SCHEDULE
We are shifting from a fixed annual schedule to a variable subscription length model. Offseason issues previously mailed in February and July will be discontinued, with the annual Football Recruiting Issue moving into March. This will enable us to produce additional issues in December and January as needed.
✦ SUBSCRIPTION STRUCTURE
Beginning June 6, 2025, a BGI subscription cycle will now include 18 issues rather than 20. Because postseason coverage depends on how far Notre Dame may advance, renewal dates will be based solely on issue count and given the variable schedule, will no longer be tied to a 12-month timeframe. If the team plays deeper into the playoff, you’ll receive those issues sooner, meaning your renewal may come up faster than in previous years.
✦ PRICING ADJUSTMENTS
The base subscription price (Periodical Delivery) will remain at $74.95, but as noted above, all future subscriptions will be for 18 issues.
The Seasonal First-Class plan will increase from $104.95 to $109.95, reflecting rising mailing costs and increased frequency of in-season issues — up from 13 (now) to 14-16 (depending on how far the team advances in the playoffs).
The First-Class All-Year plan will remain at $121.95 (now 18 issues).
✦ VALUE
Your current subscription remains unchanged in value. If you’ve recently renewed for 20 issues, you will still receive all 20 issues before transitioning to the new 18-issue subscription cycle.

These changes will allow us to continue providing the highest-quality coverage while adapting to the new playoff format. As always, we appreciate your loyalty to and support of Blue & Gold Illustrated.

Sincerely,

Mark Panus
Publisher

2025 BGI schedule

Vol-Issue # and Cover dateMailing DateEmphasis
44-17 May 2025 April 18Spring Football
44-18 June/July 2025May 8Offseason
44-19 Preseason 2025Aug. 7Miami (Fla.) preview
45-1 Sept. 7, 2025Sept. 2Texas A&M preview
45-2 Sept. 14, 2025Sept. 15Purdue preview
45-3 Sept. 21, 2025Sept. 22Arkansas preview
45-4 Sept. 28, 2025Sept. 29Boise State preview
45-5 Oct. 12, 2025Oct. 6NC State preview
45-6 Oct. 19, 2025Oct. 14USC preview
45-7 Oct. 26, 2025Oct. 20Boston College preview
45-8 Nov 9, 2025Nov. 3Navy preview
45-9 Nov. 16, 2025Nov. 10Pitt preview
45-10 Nov. 23, 2025Nov. 17Syracuse preview
45-11 Nov. 30, 2025Nov. 24Stanford preview
45-12 Dec. 2024Dec. 1Regular-season recap
45-13 Jan. 2026Dec. 10CFP or Bowl Preview
45-extra tbd**Dec. 22**CFP quarterfinal**
45-extra tbd**Jan. 3**CFP semifinal**
45-14 Feb. 2026Jan. 10CFP or Bowl recap
** Only if Notre Dame advancesAll dates subject to change