Notre Dame to Host USC this season on October 18th for PrimeTime Kickoff; Potential Final Showdown in ‘Greatest Intersectional Rivalry.’

The rivalry between the University of Notre Dame and the University of Southern California (USC) is one of the most storied and electrifying matchups in all of college football. On October 18, 2025, the two powerhouse programs will meet once again, this time in South Bend, Indiana, for a PrimeTime showdown that holds extra weight. For many, this season’s game might just be the final chapter of what is widely considered the “Greatest Intersectional Rivalry” in college football history.

As the college football landscape continues to shift with conference realignments and changes to traditional schedules, this potential final matchup in South Bend adds a sense of urgency and finality to an already high-stakes game. It’s a game that fans, players, and coaches alike are sure to remember for years to come.

In this article, we explore the significance of this rivalry, the history behind Notre Dame vs. USC, the 2025 matchup’s potential implications, and why this game could be a landmark event in the world of college football.

A History of Tradition and Intensity

The Notre Dame-USC rivalry dates back to 1926, and over the years, it has evolved into one of the fiercest and most respected rivalries in college football. The two teams have faced off annually, with the exception of a few breaks, and each game has featured high drama, legendary performances, and unforgettable moments. For decades, these two teams have battled not just for victory, but for pride, with both programs carrying immense national prestige.

Notre Dame, known for its national championship pedigree and its status as an independent football powerhouse, has always been a force in college football. The Fighting Irish have a long history of success, including 11 national championships and a record of producing top-tier players who make an impact both at the college and professional levels. USC, a member of the Pac-12 Conference and one of the most decorated programs in the country, has also been home to some of college football’s greatest players and teams, claiming 11 national titles of their own.

From the legendary performances of Heisman Trophy winners like Notre Dame’s Paul Hornung and USC’s Reggie Bush to iconic games like the 2005 “Bush Push,” this rivalry has been defined by both its thrilling on-field action and the deep-rooted animosity between two football cultures. It’s a rivalry that extends beyond just football, resonating deeply with the fanbases of both schools.

While many rivalries are rooted in proximity or conference affiliations, the Notre Dame-USC rivalry is unique because it transcends those elements. The two programs come from different parts of the country, but their shared history and similar national aspirations have created a bond that has lasted for nearly a century.

The Significance of the 2025 Matchup

The 2025 edition of the rivalry could very well mark the final time USC faces Notre Dame in South Bend. The landscape of college football is rapidly changing with the upcoming moves of traditional powerhouses to new conferences, leading to uncertainty over future scheduling. With USC set to join the Big Ten Conference in 2024 and Notre Dame’s status as an independent, the traditional matchup between these two programs might not continue in the same format after this season.

For this reason, the October 18th game in South Bend holds immense significance. While both teams will still play in future seasons, it remains unclear whether this particular rivalry will maintain its frequency and historical setting. This uncertainty has added an emotional layer to what is already an exciting and high-profile matchup.

This game represents more than just a contest between two football teams. It is, in many ways, a celebration of the tradition, passion, and history that has defined college football for generations. With both teams still holding national championship aspirations and with a chance to leave their mark on the history of the rivalry, this game will undoubtedly be a momentous occasion for players, coaches, and fans alike.

A Closer Look at the 2025 Teams

As the season progresses, both teams are entering this 2025 rivalry game with high hopes. Notre Dame, under head coach Marcus Freeman, has quickly gained a reputation for a balanced and efficient team. Freeman, who took over as head coach in 2022, has made significant strides in modernizing Notre Dame’s offense while maintaining its defensive prowess. The Fighting Irish have been consistently competitive, and by 2025, they are poised to make a serious push for a College Football Playoff berth. With a strong recruiting class and an experienced quarterback leading the charge, the Irish are positioned to compete with anyone.

On the other side, USC has undergone significant transformations in recent years. Under head coach Lincoln Riley, the Trojans have been revitalized into one of the most explosive offenses in college football. Riley, known for his high-powered offenses, has brought a new dimension to the Trojans’ attack, making them one of the most dangerous teams in the Pac-12 and on the national stage. In 2025, USC is expected to be in the mix for a College Football Playoff spot, as their offense continues to shine under the leadership of standout quarterback Caleb Williams, who is a potential Heisman Trophy candidate.

Both teams have rosters filled with future NFL talent, and the stakes for this game couldn’t be higher. For USC, it’s a chance to extend their dominance and potentially push toward the playoffs. For Notre Dame, it’s an opportunity to solidify their place in the national title race and keep the rivalry’s legacy intact. The game promises to feature some of the best players and coaches in the country, making it a must-watch for college football fans everywhere.

A Rivalry Built on Passion and Pride

What makes the Notre Dame-USC rivalry so unique is the emotional charge that surrounds it. For both schools, this game represents much more than just another matchup on the schedule. It’s a battle for bragging rights, a fight for the future, and a celebration of a tradition that has shaped college football for generations.

The fanbases of both schools are among the most dedicated and passionate in the nation. The rivalry has always been a highly anticipated event, one that draws immense attention across the country, particularly for those who follow college football closely. The pageantry, the intensity, and the raw emotion that fills the stands at Notre Dame Stadium or the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is unparalleled. It’s a rivalry that is not just about the players on the field but also about the pride of the two universities and their rich football legacies.

The rivalry is also a deep part of the culture of college football. Both teams’ mascots, the Notre Dame Leprechaun and USC’s Traveler the Horse, have become symbols of their respective programs. The games are always played with a sense of urgency, and often, the outcome has a major impact on both teams’ seasons, with bowl implications and national rankings on the line.

For the players, the stakes are even higher. It’s a chance to cement their legacy in a rivalry that will be remembered for decades to come. Many players on both sides grew up watching this rivalry on television, dreaming of one day taking the field in a game that has produced countless iconic moments in college football history.

The Potential Final Chapter

The future of the Notre Dame-USC rivalry is uncertain, and that’s what makes the 2025 matchup so significant. With USC’s move to the Big Ten Conference and the possibility that Notre Dame will remain independent, the future scheduling of this rivalry is up in the air. There’s no guarantee that the game will continue in the same format, with both teams playing each other annually.

This uncertainty has only added to the emotion and importance of the game. For many fans, this might be the last time they will witness this classic rivalry played in South Bend. It could mark the final chapter in a story that spans nearly 100 years, and that adds a layer of nostalgia and significance to the contest.

In light of this, the 2025 Notre Dame-USC game is not just another football game. It’s a historic event that could mark the end of an era in college football, and fans on both sides are eager to see which team will leave their mark on the rivalry as the potential final victor.

The Notre Dame vs. USC rivalry is a cornerstone of college football, and the October 18th matchup in 2025 promises to be one of the most memorable games in the rivalry’s history. As both teams enter the game with national championship aspirations and the chance to solidify their place in college football lore, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With the possibility that this could be the last time the two programs meet in South Bend, the game takes on a sense of urgency and nostalgia that adds to its significance.

For fans, players, and coaches, this game represents a final opportunity to experience “The Greatest Intersectional Rivalry” in all its glory. Whether it’s a victory or a loss, one thing is certain: the 2025 edition of Notre Dame vs. USC will be remembered for years to come, marking the end of an era in college football and the beginning of a new chapter for both programs.