USC, Notre Dame renew rivalry in 2030 with early-season games
Get the Sports newsletter
Daily sports — scores, transfers, the storylines from the leagues you actually follow. Free.
- USC and Notre Dame agreed to renew their football rivalry in 2030 with a four-game series, beginning Week 1 in Los Angeles, after a four-year pause following the 2025 game.
- USC insisted on moving the rivalry game earlier in the season to accommodate its Big Ten Conference schedule and travel demands, a key condition for resuming the series.
- Lincoln Riley stated that while USC remains committed to the rivalry, the program must prioritize its conference obligations and athlete well-being under the new scheduling structure.
- Jen Cohen said the early-season timing allows USC to remain competitive with Big Ten peers and protects student-athlete health, calling the renewal meaningful for the 'Trojan Family'.
- The rivalry, which dates to 1926 and has been played 95 times, was paused due to scheduling conflicts arising from USC’s move to the Big Ten and evolving playoff considerations.
Why it matters: USC’s insistence on an early-season date reflects a material shift in power dynamics — conference alignment now shapes iconic non-conference matchups. The change secures the rivalry’s future but redefines its role, prioritizing playoff access and scheduling efficiency over tradition.
