Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

USC and Notre Dame Set for Rainy Showdown

10/18/2025

47 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Trojans Battle Irish

The No. 20 USC Trojans will face the No. 13 Notre Dame Fighting Irish on October 18, 2025, in South Bend.
USC comes off a 31-13 victory over Michigan, showing a balanced offense and strong defense.
Notre Dame is on a four-game win streak but injuries affect their lineup.
Analysts project a close game, with Notre Dame favored by 9.5 points.
Rain is expected, and several five-star recruits will attend.

Summary

Rivalry Faces Uncertainty

The USC vs. Notre Dame rivalry faces uncertainty after Saturday's game due to no agreement for future matchups.
USC cites travel logistics and potential impact on College Football Playoff standings, and wants to avoid a non-conference loss.
Analysts say a USC victory could influence whether the rivalry continues.
Moving the game to September may diminish its historical impact, while fans and donors push for continuation.

History

Historical Context

The Notre Dame–USC football rivalry began in 1926, quickly becoming one of college football's fiercest competitions. Both teams have achieved remarkable success, with Notre Dame winning 13 national championships and USC 11. The rivalry's significance has evolved, particularly after interruptions like World War II and the COVID-19 pandemic, impacting fan engagement and future matchups.

1 of 3

Trojans Battle Irish

The No. 20 USC Trojans will face the No. 13 Notre Dame Fighting Irish on October 18, 2025, in South Bend.
USC comes off a 31-13 victory over Michigan, showing a balanced offense and strong defense.
Notre Dame is on a four-game win streak but injuries affect their lineup.
Analysts project a close game, with Notre Dame favored by 9.5 points.
Rain is expected, and several five-star recruits will attend.

1 / 3