Future of USC-Notre Dame Rivalry in Jeopardy After Schedule Update

The latest chapter in the storied USC-Notre Dame rivalry is almost here. On Saturday night, the No. 20 USC Trojans will face off against the No. 13 Notre Dame Fighting Irish in South Bend.

This matchup isn’t just about bragging rights—it’s got real College Football Playoff implications. Oddly enough, it could also be the end of an era, since the rivalry’s future is looking a bit shaky.

USC’s recent schedule updates have fans worried that this might be the last time these two historic programs meet for a while. No one seems to know for sure what’ll happen next.

USC-Notre Dame Rivalry: A Storied History

This rivalry has been a staple of college football for decades. It’s given us wild moments—think the “Bush Push” in 2005 or that insane 55-24 comeback in 1974.

Now, though, things feel uncertain. USC quietly took the 2026 Notre Dame game off its website, and that’s not exactly reassuring.

Neither school has locked in a deal to keep the series going. Fans are left hoping, but there’s no clear answer yet.

Coaches’ Perspectives

Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman and USC’s Lincoln Riley have both said they want to keep the rivalry alive. Freeman mentioned he hopes both sides figure it out, and Riley’s on the same page.

Losing this series would sting. It’s one of those traditions that makes college football, well, college football.

Recent Proposals and Setbacks

There have been a few attempts to keep the rivalry going, but nothing’s worked. A Netflix deal was floated but got shot down because of USC’s Big Ten contract.

So, both programs are still searching for something that’ll let the rivalry survive. Nobody’s given up yet, but it’s tough to say what happens next.

Saturday Night’s Matchup

If this really is the last USC-Notre Dame clash, both teams will want to go out on top. Rain is in the forecast, which could make things even more unpredictable.

Notre Dame has taken the last two games in this series and is favored by 10.5 points, at least according to ESPN BET Sportsbook. That’s a pretty big spread, but you never know.

USC’s got Jayden Maiava under center, plus a dangerous group of receivers like Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane. They’d love nothing more than to spoil Notre Dame’s playoff hopes.

The Trojans haven’t won in South Bend since 2011. Pulling it off now would be a huge boost for their playoff résumé.

Implications for the College Football Playoff

This game could shake up the playoff picture. Both teams are still in the hunt, and a win here would go a long way.

Notre Dame’s got a favorable schedule ahead, so beating USC could really set them up for a strong finish. For USC, it’s a shot to stay alive and grab a statement win in a tough year.

Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz

The idea that this rivalry might be ending has fans fired up online. Twitter’s full of people sharing memories and worries, and the hashtag #SaveTheRivalry keeps popping up.

Sites like FBSchedules.com noticed the missing 2026 game, which just adds fuel to the speculation. Most fans are just hoping the schools can work something out and keep this thing going.

Looking Ahead

Saturday night’s game is shaping up to be a big one. Stakes? They’re about as high as they get.

Both teams have plenty on the line. The possibility that this could be the last chapter of the rivalry just cranks up the tension.

Is this really the end of USC vs. Notre Dame, or just another wild ride? Either way, fans are in for something memorable.

No one really knows what the future holds for this matchup. The USC-Notre Dame series has already carved out its place in college football history.

Honestly, it’d be a shame to see it go. Maybe the schools will figure out a way to keep this thing going.

Want the latest updates or more details about what’s next for the rivalry? Check out Sports Illustrated.