Why USC, Notre Dame Rivalry Will Be Most Intense: 2025 College Football Schedule

On the other side, former USC Trojans defensive lineman Elijah Hughes transferred to Notre Dame during the winter transfer portal window. Hughes spent two years with the Trojans and while he did earn playing time, it was not a substantial amount. In 2024, he finished the season with six tackles and one sack.

With the two transfers, the rivalry is already going to be a highly anticipated matchup in the fall. There will likely be added fuel to the fire with disputes between the programs on keeping the rivalry going.

With the possibility of the matchup in the fall being one of the last times the rivalry faces off, the battle for the Jeweled Shillelagh will be even more intense.

The two schools are looking to keep the rivalry going, but they are reportedly having disputes over how long. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are looking to work out a multi-year deal while USC is looking to take it one year at a time. 

“I think Southern Cal and Notre Dame should play every year for as long as college football is played,” Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua said. “SC knows how we feel.”

One of the Trojans' concerns about a long-term deal is the added need to travel since the team has moved to the Big Ten. The other issue is with the new College Football Playoff format still changing, USC reportedly wants to wait to find out if the Big Ten conference will have automatic qualifiers.

USC has offered solutions, such as moving the game to earlier in the season, but there has yet to be an agreement.

With the ongoing issues, there is a chance the 2025 matchup will be one of the last times the teams will face for a while, adding to the anticipation. In 2024, USC and Notre Dame faced off for the final game of the regular season. While Notre Dame controlled the game, winning 49-35, it was an exciting, high-scoring matchup. 

Notre Dame went on to compete for a National Championship while USC finished the season with a 7-6 record. The teams brought in key staff and roster additions, both looking to improve in 2025.

“We want the USC-Notre Dame rivalry to continue, which is why we offered an extension of our agreement,” USC associate athletic director Cody Worsham said. “It’s a special game to our fans and our institution. We will continue to work with Notre Dame on scheduling future games.”

With the conversation that USC coach Lincoln Riley wants to end the rivalry, putting the chance for a National Championship win first, the game in the fall will be a must-watch for college football fans.

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