Report: Notre Dame-USC rivalry series slated to end next year, teams 'exploring replacement opponents'

A wrench is being thrown into the Notre Dame–USC rivalry. According to a report from Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports, the Fighting Irish and Trojans have failed to reach an agreement to play their annual rivalry game next season. 

With negotiations stalling, both programs are now exploring replacement opponents for 2026, sources told Yahoo Sports. The decision would bring a stunning halt to a series that dates back to 1926. 

Excluding the COVID-impacted 2020 season, next year’s matchup would have marked the 79th consecutive meeting between the Irish and Trojans. The only previous pause in the rivalry came during a three-year stretch in World War II. That makes the potential hiatus one of the most jarring scheduling moves in the sport’s modern history, Dellenger noted.

Surrounded by tradition, Dellenger pointed out that Notre Dame and USC have combined for 24 national championships. 15 Heisman Trophy winners. More than 1,000 NFL draftees. That’s believed to be the highest combined total of any rivalry series in college football.

Despite that pedigree, sources indicated to Dellenger that scheduling concerns and College Football Playoff implications ultimately derailed the talks. Administrators at both schools had been close to finalizing a two-year extension in late November, with USC hosting next season and Notre Dame returning the trip in 2027. 

However, USC officials reportedly grew concerned about the late-season date following past College Football Playoff selection decisions. They appeared to penalize teams for late losses.

Moreover, discussions between USC athletic director Jen Cohen and Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua also explored a potential Week Zero matchup. Dellenger explained that option never materialized. Still, both sides have reportedly agreed to work toward restarting the rivalry as early as 2030.

More on Notre Dame-USC rivalry series, future in doubt

In the meantime, Notre Dame has another option lined up. They’re finalizing a two-year agreement with the BYU Cougars for the 2026 and 2027 seasons, with the first game slated for October in Provo before a return trip to South Bend. 

Dellenger wrote that the development of the series is notable given recent tension between Notre Dame and parts of the college football landscape. Including public criticism from Brett Yormark earlier this month.

Meanwhile, Notre Dame’s independent status continues to fuel debate. The Irish have not shied away from marquee matchups though. 

They open next season against the Wisconsin Badgers at Lambeau Field. Then, they’ll face the Purdue Boilermakers and Michigan State Spartans. Recently, they also finalized a 10-year annual series with Clemson Tigers.

Regardless, the absence of Notre Dame–USC would leave a void in the sport, even temporarily.  It serves as a reminder that even college football’s most enduring traditions are no longer immune to the pressures of modern scheduling and playoff politics.