Severe Weather, Lightning Update For USC vs. Notre Dame

The No. 20 USC Trojans will play the No. 13 Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Saturday, Oct. 18. There are threats of thunderstorms in the forecast, and the weather could play a pivotal role in the game. How will USC have to adjust to the weather at Notre Dame Stadium?

Sep 13, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley stands on the sidelines during the first quarter against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images | Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

The No. 20 USC Trojans will take on the No. 13 Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Saturday, Oct. 18, in South Bend. It is already a big matchup, but the weather forecast at Notre Dame Stadium is calling for rain and possible storms.

The matchup will kick off at 4:30 p.m. PT, and the weather will play a role in the game. Per Accuweather, the probability of precipitation is 97 percent, and the possibility of thunderstorms is 58 percent.

How Rain Will Affect The Matchup

Oct 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) warms up prior to the game against the Michigan Wolverines at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The good news is that, according to the current forecast, any thunderstorms should end well before kickoff, which means a delay due to storms is unlikely. It is still set to be a rainy game, and both teams will have to overcome adversity.

Another aspect of the weather to watch for is the wind gusts, which are expected to be up to 32 miles per hour.

In a game where weather will play a role, ball security will be crucial for the USC Trojans. Whether it is the wind for USC quarterback Jayden Maiava to throw against or the rain making it a challenge to hold onto the ball, the Trojans have to be ready for the challenge.

Maiava has thrown just two interceptions, but the wind could cause some inaccurate throws. Going up against Notre Dame, which has one of the top cornerbacks, Leonard Moore, the USC quarterback will have to be smart with the ball.

Sep 20, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman high fives a fan before a game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images | Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

Defensively, the Trojans have the opportunity to capitalize on the weather. USC has forced six fumbles this season, with linebacker Eric Gentry forcing three. The Trojans' defense has a chance to win the turnover battle, punching the ball out, taking advantage of the rain.

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USC safety Bishop Fitzgerald has caught five interceptions this season. While the rain can make it harder to catch the ball, the wind could force Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr to throw a couple of inaccurate passes. The game could come down to who wins the turnover battle, presenting Fitzgerald and the Trojans' defense a major opportunity.

Oct 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans running back King Miller (30) runs for a touchdown in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The playcalling may change based on the weather throughout the game, and it could turn into a run-heavy offense. USC will have two of its top running backs out with an injury, giving freshman King Miller a heavy workload. Miller has rushed for 310 yards and three touchdowns this season.

Miller is already expected to be a major role player, but he could end up being relied on even more. The freshman running back will have to hold onto the ball as Notre Dame’s defense will likely try to take advantage of the weather as well.

Importance Of A Win For USC Trojans

Jul 24, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; USC head coach Lincoln Riley speaks to the media during the Big Ten NCAA college football media days at Mandalay Bay Resort. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images | Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

The USC Trojans are 5-1 entering the matchup against Notre Dame. As USC seeks a College Football Playoff appearance this year, a win against the Fighting Irish will be critical, as two losses could keep them out of the playoff.

This is also one of the most historic rivalries in college football, and could be the last time these two teams face off for a while. Both teams will want to be the one to walk out with the final win of the rivalry.

USC and coach Lincoln Riley are also on a two-game losing streak against the Fighting Irish. The Trojans have a chance to knock the Fighting Irish to three losses, while preventing a three-game losing streak.

The No. 20 USC Trojans and the No. 13 Notre Dame Fighting Irish will kick off at 4:30 p.m. PT at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18.