There are few rivalries in college football that can match the intensity, history, and national significance of the Notre Dame–USC clash. Steeped in tradition and laced with decades of iconic moments, it’s a game that transcends mere competition. It’s about legacy, pride, and identity. And now, in an era of seismic shifts in college athletics where realignment threatens the very soul of longstanding traditions, Notre Dame has made its stance crystal clear: the rivalry with USC must—and will—continue. No matter what happens to the conferences, the postseason formats, or the power structures in college football, Notre Dame intends to keep playing USC. The Fighting Irish are not backing down.
The statement might not have come with a screaming press release or a dramatic video montage, but it came with something even stronger—action and commitment. As college football grapples with a new era defined by television contracts, NIL dynamics, transfer portals, and realignment chaos, many fans have feared that traditional rivalries might become collateral damage. The Texas–Texas A\&M hiatus, the possible dilution of the Bedlam Series between Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, and the breakup of the Civil War game between Oregon and Oregon State after the Pac-12’s disintegration all serve as warnings. Notre Dame, however, has no intention of letting its crown jewel of rivalries fall into that category. USC will remain on the schedule.
Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick and the university’s leadership have reaffirmed their commitment to keeping the annual showdown with USC alive. It’s a rivalry that dates back to 1926 and has withstood world wars, social upheaval, and the total reshaping of the college football landscape. When asked about potential future scheduling conflicts as USC transitions into the Big Ten and Notre Dame continues its independent status, Swarbrick was unequivocal. The rivalry with USC is not only safe—it’s untouchable.
The Irish and the Trojans have met every year since 1926, with only two interruptions: during World War II and in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even then, both programs expressed regret and eagerness to resume as soon as possible. It’s not just a game on the schedule. It’s a cultural event for both universities. And it is a statement of both athletic prestige and philosophical contrast—Notre Dame’s Catholic, Midwestern independence versus USC’s flashy, West Coast swagger. That clash of culture, history, and football excellence makes it one of the few college matchups that consistently lives up to its billing.
For Notre Dame, the USC rivalry is about more than gridiron bragging rights. It’s a pillar of their identity. This is a program that cherishes its independence, a unique position in modern college football. Unlike almost every other school, Notre Dame isn’t tied to a conference for football. That gives them scheduling freedom—but also immense responsibility. Their schedule is filled with powerhouses: Michigan, Stanford, Navy, Ohio State, and more. But no game carries the same emotional, historical, and symbolic weight as USC. Losing it would mean tearing away a cornerstone of what Notre Dame football means, not just to the university but to college football itself.
There’s also a mutual respect between the programs that helps preserve the rivalry. While they’re fierce competitors on the field, both schools understand the value of their shared history. Legends have been born in these games—Joe Montana, Reggie Bush, Lou Holtz, Pete Carroll. The games have often carried national championship implications. The rivalry has seen Heisman moments, game-winning drives, and unforgettable plays that define careers and shape seasons. There are few matchups that can match its stakes and storylines, year in and year out.
More recently, with USC’s transition to the Big Ten, there have been questions about scheduling flexibility. The Big Ten’s expansion to include USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington creates new challenges for non-conference games. But Notre Dame is holding its ground. Despite pressure and the tempting notion of joining a conference to simplify things, Notre Dame remains resolute in its independence and in its rivalry traditions. The message is loud and clear: if USC can fit us in, we’ll be there. If we have to get creative to make it happen, we will. But we’re not letting this go.
And on USC’s side, the feeling is mutual. The Trojans also benefit from the annual clash with Notre Dame. It’s a national game that commands attention across time zones, and it’s a legacy-defining contest that helps build Heisman campaigns and playoff resumes. For USC, a school also rooted in rich football tradition and history, abandoning the rivalry would be more than just inconvenient—it would be sacrilegious. USC athletic director Jen Cohen and head coach Lincoln Riley have also expressed enthusiasm about continuing the rivalry, calling it “a vital part of USC’s identity.”
The significance of this stance from both schools goes beyond their individual programs. In an era where rivalries are treated as expendable in the name of revenue or realignment, Notre Dame and USC are drawing a line in the sand. They are showing that some things are worth preserving. Rivalries are not just calendar fillers—they’re cultural glue. They create tradition, generate emotion, and provide historical continuity in a constantly shifting landscape. They give fans a sense of belonging and a connection to the past. And they elevate college football beyond just wins and losses.
When Notre Dame says it’s never backing down from USC, it’s also sending a message to the broader college football world: heritage matters. Loyalty matters. Tradition matters. Amid the race for bigger TV deals and expanded playoff formats, some programs are still willing to protect what makes college football special. That kind of clarity in a chaotic moment is rare—and it’s worth celebrating.
From the “Bush Push” game to the Cinderella comebacks engineered by Fighting Irish quarterbacks, to the Lou Holtz–John Robinson coaching battles, Notre Dame–USC has delivered drama, passion, and excellence for nearly a century. There’s no replacement for that. There’s no substitute game that can recreate the emotion of this rivalry. And thankfully, thanks to Notre Dame’s unwavering commitment, fans will continue to witness it unfold every fall.
In a time when rivalries are often seen as optional or even burdensome in scheduling models, Notre Dame is standing tall. They’re not just fighting for their own tradition. They’re fighting for college football itself. Because when the Fighting Irish take the field against the Trojans, it’s more than a game. It’s a chapter in a book that keeps getting better, one year at a time. By refusing to walk away from this storied rivalry, Notre Dame has proven once again that its identity is forged not in flexibility or convenience, but in courage and conviction.
USC versus Notre Dame is not just a clash of blue bloods. It’s a cultural touchstone. It’s a living testament to what college football has been, what it is now, and what it should always aspire to be. Thanks to Notre Dame’s bold commitment, fans on both coasts—and across the nation—can rest assured: this game is not going anywhere. The Eternal Gridiron War is alive, thriving, and as fierce as ever.
