USC and Notre Dame Halt Historic College Football Rivalry
The historic college football rivalry between USC and Notre Dame has been temporarily suspended. This major announcement came on December 22, 2025. The teams are set to take a break from their long-standing tradition for the next two seasons, with uncertainty about future matchups.
Significance of the USC and Notre Dame Rivalry
The rivalry between USC Trojans and Notre Dame Fighting Irish spans nearly a century, beginning in 1926. This matchup is cherished by fans, athletes, and alumni of both institutions. According to officials from both schools, they acknowledge the importance of this rivalry.
Joint Statement from USC and Notre Dame
In a collaborative statement, officials emphasized their commitment to reviving the rivalry. “USC and Notre Dame recognize how special our rivalry is to our fans, our teams, and college football,” they noted. They expressed optimism about bringing back the famed Battle for the Jeweled Shillelagh in the future.
Impact of College Football Playoff System
Many within the college football community attribute the break in tradition to the current playoff structure. This change has altered the scheduling dynamics for teams, making it challenging to maintain historic rivalries.
Series History and Statistics
- First Match: 1926
- Total Meetings: 96
- Notre Dame Wins: 53
- USC Wins: 38
- Draws: 5
As the USC Trojans and Notre Dame Fighting Irish navigate this temporary pause, fans remain hopeful for a return to their storied rivalry in the seasons ahead.
