The rivalry between Notre Dame and USC is among the most storied in college football, tracing its roots back to a 1925 matchup that sparked a century‑long competition.
This fall the two programs will not meet on the field for the first time since that inaugural game, marking a rare pause in a series that has defined many eras of the sport.
Recent reports indicate that discussions about reviving the rivalry have resurfaced, with Notre Dame signaling a readiness to schedule the game earlier in the season than in previous meetings.
The conversation is unfolding against the backdrop of USC’s recent entry into the Big Ten Conference and the anticipated expansion of the College Football Playoff to 24 teams, developments that could reshape the traditional power dynamics of postseason access.
USC athletic director Jennifer Cohen has publicly criticized Notre Dame’s automatic playoff berth, arguing that the Irish’s historic prestige should not translate into a guaranteed spot in the new format.
Analyst Nicole Auerbach observed that, while the hiatus has been long, the underlying negotiations have never been formally closed, leaving the door ajar for a potential reunion.
The Road Ahead
If the rivalry does return, it could inject fresh excitement into the college football landscape, offering fans a marquee matchup that blends tradition with the evolving realities of conference realignment.