Notre Dame and USC might be moving toward an agreement to continue the rivalry

TL;DR

Notre Dame and USC are discussing renewing their college football rivalry, with potential changes to scheduling. The two schools previously nearly reached an agreement but faced complications over playoff advantages.

Key points

Notre Dame and USC are in talks to renew their football rivalry
Previous negotiations broke down over playoff advantages
Scheduling changes are being considered for the rivalry's return
USC's final offer was declined by Notre Dame

Mentioned in this story

Jeremiyah LoveCollege Football Playoff

Notre DameUSCBrigham Young

Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (4) celebrates after getting a first down in the first half of a NCAA football game against Southern California at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in South Bend. | MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images If you are a lover of college football and consider yourself a guardian of tradition, than today’s news about Notre Dame and USC talking about renewing the storied rivalry is a big win. The slant inside the article is something else though (but we’ll get to that in a moment).

**“It’s not clear yet when the rivalry series will return or what the terms will be. A person familiar with the discussions not authorized to talk about them publicly told The Times that Notre Dame is now willing to discuss playing the game earlier in the season, which had previously been a sticking point.**

**Given future scheduling agreements, it’s possible that the two schools still won’t meet again on a football field until the 2030 season.“** The news that the schools are talking again isn’t a surprise, but probably not because of what you think. As we are racing closer and closer to a 24 team playoff, the wiggle room with wins and losses would be greatly increased. Lincoln Riley and USC don’t have to be nearly as cowardly about playing Notre Dame as previously shown. They can afford to keep getting beat to the ground by the Irish, but can’t afford to keep hosting games inside the Coliseum with minimal fan support. A game every other year with Notre Dame still ensures one good crowd as the Irish have always travelled well to Los Angeles. Perhaps the funniest part of the entire story (both the linked story and the overall theme) is this: **“The two schools were close to an agreement at the end of last season, with USC indicating it was willing to compromise and stick with the rivalry’s usual cadence over the next two seasons. But a source told The Times that USC officials were not aware of terms in an agreement Notre Dame negotiated with the College Football Playoff guaranteeing the Irish a playoff berth if they finished in the top 12 of the final rankings.”**

Q&A

When will Notre Dame and USC resume their football rivalry?

It is unclear when the rivalry series will return, with discussions ongoing about scheduling changes.

What were the reasons for the previous breakdown in negotiations between Notre Dame and USC?

Negotiations broke down due to USC's concerns over a perceived 'material advantage' Notre Dame gained from a playoff agreement.

How has the College Football Playoff impacted the Notre Dame and USC rivalry?

The College Football Playoff has created more flexibility in scheduling, which may influence how and when the two teams meet.

What was USC's final offer to continue the Notre Dame rivalry?

USC's final offer involved maintaining the traditional rivalry cadence, but it was declined by Notre Dame in favor of a new series with Brigham Young.