Full Breakdown
Notre Dame and USC Rivalry Goes on Indefinite Hiatus as BYU Series Announced
12/22/2025, 8:45:35 PM
Breakdown of the Historic Rivalry
The longstanding college football rivalry between the University of Notre Dame and the University of Southern California (USC) will not continue in 2026, marking a significant pause in a series that began in 1926. The two schools have played annually since then, with the exception of World War II and the COVID-19 pandemic. Notre Dame leads the all-time series 51-37-5, having won three consecutive games against the Trojans, including a 34-24 victory in their most recent matchup on October 18, 2025.
Scheduling Conflicts and College Football Playoff Implications
Negotiations to extend the rivalry series broke down due to scheduling conflicts and concerns regarding the College Football Playoff (CFP) implications. USC, now a member of the Big Ten, expressed apprehension about playing Notre Dame later in the season, fearing that a loss could jeopardize their playoff chances. The Trojans sought to move the game to an earlier date, potentially during Week Zero, but could not reach an agreement with Notre Dame. As a result, both programs are exploring alternative opponents for the 2026 season.
New Series with BYU
In light of the failed negotiations with USC, Notre Dame announced a home-and-home series with Brigham Young University (BYU) for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. The first game will take place at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah, on October 17, 2026, followed by a return game at Notre Dame Stadium in 2027. This series fills the gap left by the absence of the USC matchup and is seen as a significant opportunity for both programs, especially given their recent performances in the CFP rankings.
Official Statements and Responses
Both Notre Dame and USC released a joint statement acknowledging the importance of their rivalry and expressing a desire to resume the series in the future. "USC and Notre Dame recognize how special our rivalry is to our fans, our teams, and college football, and our institutions will continue working towards bringing back The Battle for the Jeweled Shillelagh," the statement read. Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua and USC athletic director Jen Cohen have indicated that they will continue discussions aimed at reviving the rivalry, potentially as soon as the 2030 season.
Criticism and Opposition
The decision to pause the rivalry has drawn criticism from fans and commentators alike, with many attributing the breakdown to USC's reluctance to risk a late-season loss. Notre Dame fans have expressed frustration, suggesting that USC's concerns about playoff implications reflect a lack of commitment to preserving the historic matchup. The rivalry's hiatus has been characterized as a loss for college football, highlighting the pressures of modern scheduling and playoff politics.
What's Next
As both teams prepare for their upcoming seasons, Notre Dame will focus on its new series with BYU while USC seeks to finalize its non-conference schedule. The future of the Notre Dame-USC rivalry remains uncertain, but both athletic departments are committed to finding a way to resume their storied competition in the coming years.
