One of college football’s most enduring rivalries is set to pause after next season.
According to Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger, the annual series between Notre Dame Fighting Irish and USC Trojans is slated to end following the 2025 season, with both programs now exploring replacement opponents for 2026. Notre Dame is finalizing a two-year scheduling agreement with the BYU Cougars, a move that has complicated negotiations with USC.
The hiatus is puzzling given the history of the series, which dates back to 1926. Next year’s matchup was expected to be the 79th consecutive meeting between the programs, excluding the COVID-19 shortened 2020 season. The rivalry has only been interrupted once before, during World War II, according to Dellenger.
"Steeped in great players, colorful coaches and rich tradition, the Irish and Trojans hold a pedigree unlike any in the sport’s history, as they’ve combined to win 24 national championships, 15 Heisman Trophy winners and have produced more than 1,000 NFL draftees — believed to be the highest combined total of any college football rivalry series."
Scheduling constraints and College Football Playoff considerations were key to the breakdown in talks, according to sources familiar with negotiations.
Notre Dame continues to pursue high-profile opponents. The Irish open next season against Wisconsin at Lambeau Field and maintain annual games with Clemson Tigers, along with recent and future series against Texas A&M, Auburn and Texas.
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