One of college football’s most iconic rivalries is hitting pause, as Notre Dame and USC have agreed not to play in 2026 following unsuccessful negotiations. This decision marks a significant moment for the rivalry, which has seen continuous annual matchups since its inception in 1926, except for a brief hiatus during World War II. The game next season would have represented the 79th consecutive meeting between the two programs, absent the interruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to sources, scheduling conflicts and implications from the College Football Playoff (CFP) were key factors leading to this decision. Just weeks prior, there appeared to be momentum towards extending their series, with both teams reportedly close to finalizing an agreement that included USC hosting Notre Dame next Thanksgiving and the Irish welcoming the Trojans in 2027. However, USC officials later expressed concerns over the timing of the game, given the CFP selection committee’s past tendencies to penalize teams with late-season losses.
In light of this situation, Notre Dame has announced an exciting two-year home-and-home series with BYU, beginning with a game in Provo, Utah, in October 2026 and a return match in South Bend in 2027. This new scheduling reflects a proactive approach by the Irish as they seek to fill their calendar with competitive and engaging matchups.
While the pause in the Notre Dame-USC rivalry is disheartening to many fans who cherish its rich history, both institutions have expressed a commitment to revisiting the possibility of resuming the series down the line, with discussions potentially extending into 2030. The hope remains that as both programs navigate the complexities of scheduling, they can find common ground to revive this celebrated rivalry in the future, keeping the spirit of college football traditions alive.