USC’s coach, Lincoln Riley, recently expressed frustration over Notre Dame’s choice to end their longstanding football rivalry. This series has a rich history, dating back to 1926 and featuring 96 matches, with both teams playing annually since 1946, except for the year 2020.
Riley pointed out that discussions were ongoing for months to keep the rivalry alive. Just recently, USC’s athletic director, Jen Cohen, put forth a proposal. Notre Dame quickly declined. To add salt to the wound, they announced a new matchup with BYU just minutes later. “We were ready to play. They didn’t hold up their end of the deal,” Riley said.
Typically, the USC-Notre Dame game takes place in October or late in the season. However, USC is eager to shift this to earlier in the schedule, wanting to align with the practices of other Big Ten teams. In a recent announcement, Notre Dame revealed a home-and-home series with BYU for 2026 and 2027. This decision makes it less likely for the rivalry to resume until at least 2030.
Riley acknowledged the unique position of Notre Dame as an independent team, which gives them greater flexibility in scheduling. He noted, “Had Notre Dame lived up to their word, we would be playing in the next two years.” He still holds out hope for future negotiations to revive the rivalry.
Interestingly, USC’s situation is not isolated. According to a recent survey by the NCAA, nearly 70% of college football teams have changed how they approach scheduling over the past few years, aiming for fewer conflicts and clearer paths to playoff spots. Cohen emphasized that USC needs to prioritize its chances for success in the College Football Playoff, which they have never qualified for.
Football fans across social media are buzzing with mixed emotions. Many recall classic games filled with tension and excitement. The rivalry means a lot to both schools, and reactions are often nostalgic and passionate.
Ultimately, while there is disappointment now, there is hope for the return of this historic matchup in the future.
To read more about college football scheduling trends and their impacts, visit the NCAA’s official guidelines here.
