The storied football rivalry between the USC Trojans and Notre Dame Fighting Irish has officially been halted. The series will not continue in the 2026 season. This decision follows a protracted and public disagreement over game scheduling.
The break ends one of college football’s most iconic annual matchups. It has sparked immediate disappointment and debate across the sport.
Analyst Defends USC’s Tough Stance on Game Date
Fox Sports analyst Colin Cowherd has publicly defended USC’s position. He argued the Trojans were right to insist on moving the game. According to Cowherd, USC wanted the game played earlier in the season, before its demanding Big Ten conference schedule begins.
He compared USC’s stance to strategies used by other elite programs. Cowherd noted that legendary coach Nick Saban also avoided tough non-conference road games late in the season. The goal is always to optimize a team’s path to the College Football Playoff.
Cowherd also pointed to Notre Dame’s unique scheduling advantage. The Fighting Irish are not full conference members. This allows them more flexibility in crafting their schedule compared to USC, which now faces a brutal Big Ten lineup.
Playoff Realities and a Heavy Travel Burden Shape Decision
USC’s future schedule is a primary factor. In 2026, the Trojans will face powerhouses like Ohio State, Oregon, and Penn State. They also have significant cross-country travel for road games at Indiana and Rutgers.
Adding a late-season trip to South Bend, Indiana, was seen as a major burden. USC leadership believed it could hurt the team’s playoff chances more than an early-season loss. A November defeat could be more damaging in the eyes of the selection committee.
The school proposed moving the Notre Dame game to September. This would align it with USC’s other non-conference contests. Notre Dame did not agree to this change, leading to the series’ suspension.
The end of the USC-Notre Dame rivalry marks a significant shift in college football’s landscape, driven by conference realignment and playoff calculus.
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Why did the USC-Notre Dame rivalry really end?
The immediate cause was a scheduling dispute. USC wanted to move the annual game to earlier in the season before Big Ten play. Notre Dame was unwilling to change the date, leading to the series being put on hold.
What did Colin Cowherd say about the situation?
The Fox Sports analyst defended USC’s decision. He argued that with a tough new Big Ten schedule, playing Notre Dame late in the season was a disadvantage. Cowherd said USC was simply being strategic, much like other top programs.
Will the rivalry game ever be played again?
Both schools have left the door open for future meetings. However, there are no current plans to resume the annual series. Any future game would likely require a new long-term agreement.
How does this affect USC’s playoff chances?
USC believes it helps. The Trojans now have one fewer demanding late-season game during their grueling Big Ten schedule. This could improve their win-loss record and playoff resume in a tough conference.
What is Notre Dame’s scheduling advantage?
As an independent, Notre Dame can craft its schedule without fixed conference games. This allows more flexibility than USC, which must play a full slate of Big Ten opponents every year.
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