USC and Notre Dame Renew Rivalry Series

USC quarterback Jayden Maiava made a noteworthy play under pressure against Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, on October 18. The game is part of a fierce rivalry between the Trojans and the Fighting Irish. Recently, both schools decided to renew this rivalry with a new agreement.

USC coach Lincoln Riley expressed his satisfaction over the reinstated rivalry with Notre Dame, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the Trojans’ primary needs. The announcement confirmed a four-year series starting in 2030, with the initial game held in Week 1 at the Coliseum. The next year’s matchup will take place in Week 1 at Notre Dame Stadium, with the 2032 and 2033 games scheduled during Weeks 1-3 of the season.

“We felt like the best thing for our program was to play this game early in the season,” Riley stated. “We are part of a conference that dictates our schedule and kickoff times. Playing during the traditional nonconference window allows more flexibility for us.”

Riley faced criticism for letting the prestigious rivalry series lapse. He noted the challenge of playing Notre Dame amid the demanding Big Ten schedule, while the independent Notre Dame football team strategically surrounds the contest with less challenging matchups to bolster its College Football Playoff aspirations.

Both schools agreed on the significance of the rivalry and worked together to find a mutually beneficial arrangement. USC’s all-time record against Notre Dame stands at 37-53-5, excluding a vacated 2005 victory. Under Riley’s leadership, USC has a 1-3 record against the Irish. The teams compete for the Jeweled Shillelagh trophy.

Riley added, “This benefits everyone – USC, Notre Dame, and college football. It is important to our fans, alumni, and former players and coaches.”

Iliana Limón Romero, the Los Angeles Times assistant managing editor for Sports, joined the paper in March 2021. She previously served as sports editor at the Orlando Sentinel. Ryan Kartje, the USC beat writer at the Los Angeles Times, joined after six years with the Southern California News Group. Previously, he wrote for Fox Sports Wisconsin and the Bloomington Herald-Times.