Why USC Trojans, Notre Dame Should Reach Scheduling Deal Sooner than Later

The USC Trojans and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have one of the most historic rivalries in college football, but it could be coming to an end. There may be a big reason why USC is hesitant to agree to a long-term deal, but could a resolution come soon?

Oct 28, 2023; Berkeley, California, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley before the game against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

One of the biggest storylines in college football throughout the offseason has been about the USC Trojans and Notre Dame Fighting Irish's rivalry potentially ending. USC and Notre Dame have one of the most historic rivalries, but are struggling to agree on a long-term deal to keep the annual matchup.

USC and Notre Dame have faced each other every year since 1926, and in almost 100 years, there have only been two instances in which the programs did not play each other due to unforeseen circumstances. The first was during a hiatus during World War II, and the second was in 2020 during the COVID-19 season.

Why Can’t USC And Notre Dame Agree On A Deal?

Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman in the second half in the CFP National Championship college football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

As the two sides look to work out a resolution to the dispute, Notre Dame reportedly wants a long-term deal while USC is looking to schedule the games yearly. After the rivalry has been going on for so many years, one of the reasons there is a dispute between the programs is due to the conference realignment.

Per the LA Times’ Ryan Kartje, the holdup for a resolution is due to the Trojans wanting to play the game in September. Conference realignment and travel are reportedly USC's biggest issues as the Trojans do not want to play the game in the middle of the Big Ten slate.

One of the most challenging aspects of the Trojans' schedule since joining the Big Ten is traveling. Having to travel further more often is a lot on the team, and the Trojans want to do what is best for the program.

Hope For A Resolution?

Nov 30, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

After months of speculation on whether the historic rivalry could end, there is more hope regarding a resolution. USC’s athletic director, Jen Cohen, told the LA Times that while negotiating a deal, progress is being made on an agreement. Not only would it keep the rivalry going, but it could also continue for multiple years beyond 2025.

USC and Notre Dame should hope to find a resolution soon not only to bring some stability to the world of college football but also because it gives the Trojans a marquee matchup every single year. In the world of conference realignment and name, image, and likeness, the more eyeballs on USC, the better.

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Moving the game to September would be an exciting way to kick off the season each year. It is a loved rivalry beyond just USC and Notre Dame fans, and would be a big way for the college football season to begin each year.

It would also be beneficial for the USC Trojans to help the program focus on the conference games for the second half of the season. USC Trojans coach Lincoln Riley has been outspoken about wanting to put the team’s success first. With a possible resolution, the program could be set up for USC to be in College Football Playoff contention and keep a beloved rivalry.

USC-Notre Dame 2025 Matchup

Sep 28, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley reacts after a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Despite the ongoing negotiations between the two programs, there is still a 2025 game to look forward to. On Oct. 18, the Trojans will travel to Notre Dame, and it could shape up to be a heated matchup. The rivalry is already there, but with the off-the-field dispute, it could make the game much more interesting.

The Trojans and Fighting Irish also faced some changes in the transfer portal, with former Notre Dame safety Kennedy Urlacher transferring to the Trojans. On the other side, former USC Trojans defensive lineman Elijah Hughes transferred to Notre Dame.

USC holds a 37-52-5  record against Notre Dame, with the Trojans currently on a two-year losing streak. Last season, Notre Dame won 49-35, but it was a high-scoring, exciting matchup. 

Nov 30, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley and Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman shake hands after the game at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

There has been much outside noise, with there being speculation that USC is not continuing the annual game due to not being able to defeat Notre Dame. The Trojans will have something to prove on Oct. 18.