Beaux Collins, a standout wide receiver for Notre Dame, is thrilled to be playing a college football game in his home state of California. Having grown up just ten miles from the USC campus, Collins always dreamed of competing in significant games in Los Angeles, even as he chose to play for a school across the country after high school. This Saturday, Collins will realize that dream in his final regular-season game as Notre Dame faces USC in a highly anticipated rivalry matchup.
Collins expressed his excitement, saying, “It’s something I’ve been looking forward to. Growing up, I always wanted to play there, and now that it’s actually here, I’m just very appreciative of being able to come to a school like this.” He underscored the significance of being part of a team that competes nationally and the gratitude he holds for his collegiate experience.
The game, part of the 95th meeting between Notre Dame, currently ranked No. 5, and the Trojans, brings with it a compelling backdrop. Notre Dame, with a record of 10-1, hopes to leverage Collins’ abilities on the field, especially as he leads the team with 34 receptions for 427 yards and two touchdowns this season.
Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. EST on CBS, with additional coverage available through the WSBT Gameday SportsBeat pregame show and postgame analysis on the Inside ND Sports YouTube channel. Collins emphasized the motivation provided by the coaching staff to maintain their competitive edge, stating, “They just keep pushing us, and that eventually turns guys into hungry dogs.”
Collins’ journey from a young admirer of USC to a key player for Notre Dame encapsulates the transformative power of sports and showcases the emotional intensity that comes with such rivalries. The upcoming game not only promises high-stakes action but also represents a moment of culmination for Collins, making it particularly special.
In addition to Collins, other critical players to watch for both teams include USC running back Woody Marks, linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold, and Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore. Each will play pivotal roles in their teams’ performances, adding to the excitement surrounding this matchup.
As the teams prepare to clash, the hope for both Collins and fans is that it will be a memorable and high-energy game that showcases the best of college football.