Notre Dame, USC Rivalry Faces Uncertain Future Amid College Football Shifts

The longstanding USC-Notre Dame college football rivalry, dating back to 1926, faces uncertainty as their contract to play each other expires after the 2025 season, with no extension agreed upon yet. USC's move to the Big Ten and the evolving College Football Playoff structure have shifted scheduling priorities, causing concern about the rivalry's future despite Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman's strong desire to maintain the tradition. Freeman emphasized the significance of rivalries beyond records, recalling personal experiences and expressing hope to continue annual matchups against USC. Notre Dame remains independent, a status Freeman supports for now due to scheduling flexibility, but acknowledges potential future pressures to join a conference amid the dominance of the Big Ten and SEC. Freeman also reflected on Notre Dame's recent football successes, including a playoff run and a physical victory over Georgia, underscoring the program's competitiveness even as college football undergoes realignment and financial changes. While the rivalry hangs in the balance, both programs seek common ground to preserve one of college football's iconic traditions.