Although a potential return may not materialize until the 2030 season, Notre Dame and the University of Southern California are in talks to revive their storied football rivalry, according to a Monday report from the Los Angeles Times.
In December, it was announced that the Fighting Irish and Trojans would not face off in 2026, temporarily pausing a series that dates back to 1925.
Sources familiar with the negotiations told the Times there is optimism that both schools will reach an agreement.
One key sticking point has been scheduling. Notre Dame is open to playing USC earlier in the season, a factor that complicated finalizing a date for the upcoming campaign. USC wanted to shift the game earlier to align with its other nonconference matchups, while Notre Dame insisted on a long-term deal that keeps the contest in its traditional late-season slot.
At the end of the 2025 season, the two sides appeared close to a deal, with USC reportedly willing to keep the game in its usual late-season position for the next two years. However, the Times reported that USC was unaware Notre Dame had negotiated a separate agreement with the College Football Playoff that guaranteed the Irish a playoff berth if they finished in the top 12 of the final rankings.
As a result, USC withdrew its offer. Athletic director Jennifer Cohen made one final counterproposal in December, but Notre Dame declined and announced a new home-and-home series with BYU to replace USC.
“The fact is very, very clear, and this can all be settled very quickly — had Notre Dame lived up to their word and played us anytime, anywhere, we would be playing them the next two years and looking ahead after that and hopefully continuing the series,” USC coach Lincoln Riley said after a bowl game loss in December. “They did not follow through on it. Thus, we are not playing them the next couple years.”
