The USC Trojans and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have decided that they won’t play each other next year, and most likely until 2030. This brings an end to an annual rivalry game that goes back to 1926, and was just one year shy of its centenary. The game was canceled twice, between 1943 and 1945 due to World War II, and in 2020 due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
What makes this new gap surprising is that for the first time, it isn’t an external worldwide crisis that put a halt to the rivalry, but a mutual decision by the schools. It’s safe to say that former USC wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson didn’t take well to the decision, and he went on X to express his disagreement with the decision and with Lincoln Riley’s leadership.
This is ridiculous! Just say we scared. I’ll accept that at least it’s the truth. 🤦🏾♂️ #USC #Trojans #NotreDame pic.twitter.com/B11S2sqcEX
— Keyshawn Johnson (@keyshawn) December 22, 2025
A good number of fans agreed with him.
“respect my guy,” wrote a Notre Dame fan.
“I couldnt agree more from an Irish fan its tradition. Im pissed we dont have Michigan and Michigan State on our schedule every year like we use too. Getting rid of tradition is killing college football,” explained another person.
Overall, it seemed like Fighting Irish fans were the ones in most agreement with Johnson.
“TALK TO EM KEY 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣,” said another Irish fan.
“Keyshawn gets it, as a Notre Dame fan I can speak for the whole fan base, we want this rivalry. It’s one of the biggest games that any fan keeps an eye out for to be honest,” said someone else.
Neutral fans also thought the decision was the incorrect one for the USC Trojans.
“Padding the schedule feels safe… until it isn’t. Playing cupcakes hides flaws, then pressure exposes everything when it matters. Ask Ohio State 🤷♂️,” explained a fan.
Not everyone agreed with Keyshawn Johnson, however. It seems like, mostly, USC fans didn’t agree with him.
“Naw, they need us… we dont need them!,” said a Trojan fan.
“placing the blame on the wrong side. misguided hate,” said another person.
“You missed the mark here Key. ND could have agreed to play USC at another time during the season. SC doesn’t need to cater to ND when they have OSU, Indiana, Oregon, Michigan, etc in the Big 10. ND needs USC more than the other way around..,” explained a USC supporter.
When Did The Rivalry Between USC and Notre Dame Start?
The USC Trojans and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have played each other almost annually since 1926. On December 4 of that year, the Trojans hosted the Irish at Los Angeles in a game that 13-12 in favor of the South Bend school.
Since then, the game has only been suspended on four occasions. Between 1943 and 1945, due to WW2, and in 2020, due to the Pandemic. The Irish lead the head-to-head 53-37-5.
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