USC and Notre Dame set to rekindle historic rivalry
The long‑standing rivalry between the University of Southern California and the University of Notre Dame, once a staple of college football, will resume after a four‑year break. The first meeting is slated for the opening week of the 2030 season, when the Irish will travel to Los Angeles to face the Trojans at the Coliseum.
The agreement also guarantees a return trip to South Bend in 2031, giving the Irish a chance to host the Trojans on their home turf. For USC, the matchup represents an opportunity to end a drought that has seen them fall short against Notre Dame since 2022, a milestone that has been a point of focus for the program.
Coach Lincoln Riley, who took the helm of the Trojans program, expressed enthusiasm about the revival during a recent press conference. He emphasized the cultural and historical significance of the series, noting that the games will carry added weight for both fan bases and the teams' identities.
Riley's comments come as USC finalizes its non‑conference slate for the 2026 season, which includes contests against San Jose State, Fresno State and Nevada. Notably, Notre Dame does not appear on that schedule, underscoring the importance of the upcoming 2030 and 2031 meetings as the next chapter in the rivalry.
The renewed series is expected to draw considerable attention from alumni, media and sponsors alike. As the Trojans prepare to welcome the Irish back to the Coliseum, the anticipation reflects a broader desire to restore a competitive narrative that has defined West Coast college football for decades.