The storied football rivalry between the University of Southern California and the University of Notre Dame, once a centerpiece of college athletics, is once again the subject of intense discussion.
A renewed hope for a classic clash
Late last year, scheduling conflicts and a College Football Playoff agreement that guaranteed Notre Dame a spot if it finished in the top 12 stalled any prospect of a renewed series.
USC had long pressed for an early‑season slot within its nonconference slate, a request that clashed with Notre Dame’s traditional preference for later dates.
Recent statements from Notre Dame officials, however, suggest a willingness to reconsider that stance, opening a pathway for dialogue that could restore the matchup.
The potential return of the rivalry comes as Notre Dame announces a new nonconference series with Brigham Young University, a move that could serve as a bridge toward future games with USC.
The last meeting before the pandemic‑shortened 2020 season remains fresh in memory, notably the 2005 contest where No. 1 USC edged No. 9 Notre Dame 34‑31 in a game forever known as the ‘Bush Push.’
Since then, the two programs have not faced each other, a drought that extends back to the World War II era when the series was last interrupted.
Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush, both alumni of the Trojans, have remained emblematic of the era’s intensity, underscoring the cultural weight the rivalry carries for fans and alumni alike.