Notre Dame Football Schedule Shakeup: Irish Pause Historic USC Rivalry, Add BYU Series

Notre Dame has made major changes to its future football schedule. The Fighting Irish will pause their historic annual rivalry with USC. This news was confirmed this week.

The series is set to restart around 2030, according to reports. In its place, Notre Dame has scheduled a new home-and-home series with BYU for 2026 and 2027.

Historic Rivalry Takes a Break Amid Conference Realignment

The Notre Dame-USC rivalry is one of college football’s most iconic. The schools have met nearly every year since 1926. The decision to pause the series follows USC’s move to the Big Ten conference.

Conference realignment is reshaping college football. USC now faces a tougher conference schedule. School officials reportedly sought to lighten their non-conference slate.

This pause deals a blow to a cherished tradition. Fans on both sides have expressed disappointment. The move highlights how television contracts and league expansion are disrupting longstanding rivalries.

New Matchup with BYU Fills the Gap on the Schedule

Notre Dame moved quickly to fill the open dates. The new series with BYU was formally announced. Notre Dame will travel to Provo, Utah, in 2026.

BYU will visit South Bend, Indiana, in 2027. The matchup makes strategic sense for both independent-minded programs. According to Yahoo Sports, administrators worked to secure the series.

The series also follows recent drama. Notre Dame declined a potential bowl matchup with BYU this past season. This new home-and-home agreement helps mend that narrative.

It provides Notre Dame with a strong, national opponent. BYU brings a passionate national fanbase and shared religious values. This maintains the Irish’s commitment to a challenging independent schedule.

This Notre Dame football schedule overhaul marks a pivotal moment. While the USC hiatus stings, the new BYU series offers an exciting future chapter. The changes reflect the relentless evolution of the college sports landscape.

Thought you’d like to know

Why did Notre Dame and USC pause their rivalry?

The primary reason is USC’s move to the Big Ten conference. With a more demanding league schedule, USC sought to simplify its non-conference games. The schools plan to restart the series around 2030.

When will Notre Dame play BYU?

The two-game series is set for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. Notre Dame will play at BYU in 2026. BYU will visit Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend during the 2027 season.

Is the USC rivalry gone forever?

No, the pause is temporary. Sources indicate both schools’ administrators plan to work on restarting the series. The target for resumption is around the 2030 season.

How have fans reacted to this news?

Many fans from both Notre Dame and USC have expressed disappointment online. The rivalry is deeply cherished. The change is seen as another casualty of major conference realignment.

What other major games are on Notre Dame’s future schedule?

Notre Dame has several high-profile matchups set. This includes a renewed yearly series with Clemson agreed upon last year. The Irish consistently schedule tough opponents from multiple conferences.