One of college football’s oldest and most iconic rivalries may soon come to an end. The USC Trojans and Notre Dame Fighting Irish are only contracted to face each other through the 2025 season, and as of now, no agreement has been reached to extend the series beyond that date.
A Century-Old Tradition at Risk
The USC–Notre Dame rivalry dates back to 1926, born from a suggestion by Knute Rockne’s wife that a late-season trip to sunny California would benefit the team. Nearly a century later, the two programs have met 95 times, with Notre Dame holding a 52–37–5 edge. For decades, this matchup has served as a barometer of success for both schools—regardless of conference affiliation or national rankings.
But with USC now entrenched in the Big Ten and the College Football Playoff expanding, head coach Lincoln Riley has signaled that scheduling priorities may be shifting.
“As we get into this playoff structure and if it changes or not, we get into this new conference, we’re going to learn some about this as we go and what the right and best track is to winning a national championship,” Riley said at 2024 Big Ten Media Days.
Freeman’s Push to Preserve the Rivalry
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Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, however, is not ready to let go of the tradition.
“Before I ever got to Notre Dame, there’s memories I have in my head of great plays in the USC–Notre Dame rivalry,” Freeman told Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt. “If they ask my opinion, I want to continuously play USC every year.”
Freeman emphasized the meaning of rivalry games from his playing days in high school and at Ohio State, stating that rivalries transcend records.
“You win that game, you view that season as a success,” he said.
The Road Ahead
The 2025 meeting in South Bend on Oct. 18 may mark the final battle for the Jeweled Shillelagh. While scheduling challenges exist—particularly with USC’s Big Ten commitments—both programs have expressed a desire to find common ground. Until a new deal is struck, one of college football’s most storied traditions hangs in the balance.