The University of Notre Dame and the University of Southern California confirmed on Thursday that they will restart their storied football rivalry with a four‑game home‑and‑home series scheduled between 2030 and 2033. The agreement, first reported by major sports outlets, outlines a rotating slate of matchups that will see the teams meet in Los Angeles for the season opener in 2030, travel to South Bend the following year, and then reconvene on the West Coast for the final two contests in the early weeks of the 2032 and 2033 seasons.
A rivalry reborn
The rivalry between the Fighting Irish and the Trojans dates back to 1926, when a 13‑12 victory by Notre Dame, orchestrated under the legendary coach Knute Rockne, set the tone for decades of competition. Over the ensuing 96 meetings, Notre Dame has built a 53‑38‑5 lead in the series, and the teams have clashed for the Jeweled Shillelagh Trophy since 1952, a prize distinguished by green‑jeweled shamrocks for Irish wins and ruby‑jeweled Trojan heads for USC victories.
Recent history adds another layer of intrigue. Under head coach Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame has posted a three‑game streak of double‑digit victories over USC, underscoring a renewed dominance that fans hope will carry forward into the new series. The upcoming matchups will be played in the first three weeks of the season in 2032 and 2033, a scheduling choice designed to heighten early‑season stakes and fan anticipation.
What’s next for the series
Both athletic departments emphasized that the new format reflects a broader effort to modernize traditional rivalries while preserving their historic essence. The rotating home‑and‑home model ensures that each school hosts two games apiece, maintaining competitive balance and providing fans in both coasts with regular opportunities to experience the matchup live. Conference officials noted that the series will also have implications for national rankings, as the early‑season placement could influence early‑year playoff discussions.