USC–Notre Dame Rivalry in Limbo as Trojans Push for Single-Season Extension
Negotiations stall over USC's focus on playoff ambitions, leaving the century-old series' future uncertain beyond 2025.
Overview
- USC has proposed a one-year extension of its football rivalry with Notre Dame through 2026, rejecting Notre Dame's call for a multi-year commitment.
- Lincoln Riley, USC's head coach, has emphasized prioritizing national championship goals over tradition if scheduling conflicts arise.
- Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua has publicly stated his desire for the rivalry to continue annually, calling it vital to college football.
- USC's decision is influenced by concerns over expanded College Football Playoff scenarios and the challenges of Big Ten travel demands.
- Public and donor backlash has intensified, with some USC boosters directly pressuring the administration and one reportedly threatening to remove the school from their will.