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Leinart Defends USC-Notre Dame Hiatus Amid Criticism

12/25/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Matt Leinart, former USC quarterback, defended the decision to pause the USC–Notre Dame rivalry, citing scheduling and playoff implications.
USC has no scheduled games against Notre Dame for 2026 and beyond.
Keyshawn Johnson, former USC wide receiver, criticized the hiatus and questioned the athletic department's decisions.
Viewership for the rivalry has declined, averaging just over five million viewers in recent years.

History

Historical Context

The Notre Dame–USC football rivalry, established in 1926, has been a cornerstone of college football, peaking at over 10 million viewers in the early 2000s. However, due to scheduling conflicts and playoff implications, the rivalry will pause after the 2025 season. This hiatus reflects broader changes in college football dynamics, impacting fan engagement and the significance of traditional matchups.

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Story summary

Matt Leinart, former USC quarterback, defended the decision to pause the USC–Notre Dame rivalry, citing scheduling and playoff implications.
USC has no scheduled games against Notre Dame for 2026 and beyond.
Keyshawn Johnson, former USC wide receiver, criticized the hiatus and questioned the athletic department's decisions.
Viewership for the rivalry has declined, averaging just over five million viewers in recent years.

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