The Notre Dame Fighting Irish and USC Trojans are two of the greatest brands in college football history. With a rivalry that began in 1926, the two programs have accounted for 24 national titles and 15 Heisman Trophies.
They’ve clashed 92 times, delivering some of the most unforgettable moments in football history. Yet now, this timeless showdown is under threat for seemingly no good reason. Have we seen the last matchup between these two storied teams?
Notre Dame-USC Rivalry Hangs by a Thread as Trojans Offer One-Year Deal for 2026
One of college football’s most legendary rivalries is in peril. According to a report by Sports Illustrated’s Pat Forde, the future of this matchup is hanging in the balance, with the current contract set to expire after their October 18 game in South Bend. The programs may not agree to play beyond the 2025 football season.
News: The USC-Notre Dame rivalry, one of the greatest in college football, is on the brink of ending this fall. The two sides see the situation very differently, with talks ongoing. https://t.co/VsPyH8NyvC
— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) May 19, 2025
USC has proposed a one-year extension to play at the Coliseum in 2026. The Fighting Irish, on the other hand, want something long-term. Notre Dame Athletic Director Pete Bevacqua emphasized Notre Dame’s commitment to the rivalry.
“I think Southern Cal and Notre Dame should play every year for as long as college football is played, and SC knows that’s how we feel.”
So why the hesitation? USC reportedly has concerns about the evolving College Football Playoff and the burden of traveling cross-country every other year, particularly with a tough Big Ten schedule looming. Despite the uncertainty, both sides desire to keep the rivalry alive.
“We want the USC–Notre Dame rivalry to continue, which is why we offered an extension of our agreement,” said USC associate athletic director Cody Worsham. “It’s a special game to our fans and our institution. We will continue to work with Notre Dame on scheduling future games.”
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Notre Dame and USC compete in this rivalry series for the Jeweled Shillelagh. It’s a traditional Irish club crafted in 1952 to honor the original 1926 meeting. Now, that tradition faces a challenge not from the gridiron but from the negotiating table.
All hope isn’t lost, though, football fans. According to Forde’s piece, one of USC’s apprehensions is the amount of cross-country travel as the College Football Playoff approaches. Forde noted that USC has floated the idea of making the Notre Dame game a season-opener.
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