REPORT: Notre Dame–USC Rivalry in Jeopardy as Marcus Freeman Joins College Football’s Elite Coaches Ahead of 2025 Season

The Notre Dame-USC rivalry is one of the most iconic and anticipated matchups in college football, a fixture on the schedule that brings together two storied programs with a long history of passion, tradition, and fierce competition. The rivalry has stood the test of time, dating back nearly a century, with unforgettable moments, legendary performances, and unforgettable games. However, as the 2025 season looms, there is growing concern that this historic rivalry could be in jeopardy due to changes in the landscape of college football.

At the same time, Notre Dame’s head coach Marcus Freeman has rapidly emerged as one of the most respected and promising leaders in the game, joining the ranks of college football’s elite coaches. With Freeman at the helm, the Fighting Irish are on a path to return to national prominence, but the future of the Notre Dame-USC rivalry could be at risk. The combination of realignment, shifting priorities, and the evolving landscape of college football raises questions about whether this historic rivalry will remain a mainstay in the sport.

This report takes a closer look at the potential end of the Notre Dame-USC series, how Marcus Freeman has quickly ascended to elite coaching status, and what the future holds for both programs. As Freeman leads Notre Dame into the 2025 season, fans are not only focusing on the team’s championship aspirations but also the legacy of one of college football’s most enduring rivalries.

The Notre Dame-USC Rivalry: A Storied History

The Notre Dame-USC rivalry dates back to 1926 and has been played nearly every year since, with the exception of a few breaks. Throughout the decades, it has come to symbolize college football at its highest level. Whether it was the stunning performances of legends like Reggie Bush, Paul Hornung, or Joe Montana, or thrilling finishes like the 2005 “Bush Push,” the rivalry between the Fighting Irish and Trojans has always delivered high drama and intense emotions. The annual clash of these two programs has been marked by both the traditional pageantry of college football and the deep-rooted animosity that exists between the teams.

USC, a powerhouse in the Pac-12 Conference (soon to be the Big Ten), has long been a contender for national championships, while Notre Dame, as an independent, has carved out its own legacy as one of the most prestigious programs in college football history. Both schools have produced countless NFL stars, Heisman Trophy winners, and championship teams. But beyond the records and accolades, the Notre Dame-USC rivalry has always had an aura of importance, not just for the teams involved but for the entire college football landscape.

Over the years, the rivalry has been a critical game for both teams, often impacting their national championship hopes or shaping the trajectory of a season. The games are typically close, hard-fought, and feature dramatic finishes. For fans, the rivalry is a sacred tradition—one that transcends conference affiliation and regional pride.

The Shifting Landscape of College Football

As college football moves into a new era, the traditional rivalries and scheduling formats are beginning to shift, thanks in large part to conference realignment, the expansion of the College Football Playoff, and the growing influence of television networks. The move of USC and UCLA to the Big Ten Conference in 2024 is a perfect example of how college football is changing, and it’s this realignment that is casting doubt on the future of longstanding rivalries like Notre Dame-USC.

USC’s decision to join the Big Ten puts the Trojans in direct competition with traditional powerhouses like Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, and others. As a member of a major conference, USC will be locked into a set schedule that could make it harder to maintain non-conference matchups with programs like Notre Dame, which has always operated as an independent. The scheduling conflicts that arise as a result of USC’s move to the Big Ten, combined with the increasing demands of conference play, could make the annual Notre Dame-USC game less feasible in the future.

Moreover, as more teams shift into super conferences, traditional rivalries are being disrupted. The question arises: will the Notre Dame-USC game, which has long been a marquee non-conference matchup, still hold the same importance for both programs? With conference championship games taking on more significance and the College Football Playoff expanding, it’s possible that traditional rivalries like this one may take a backseat to the demands of conference schedules.

While it’s still too early to say what will happen in the coming years, there is a growing sense of uncertainty about the future of the Notre Dame-USC rivalry. This could be the last few years in which the rivalry holds the same significance, and fans are understandably concerned about the possibility of seeing fewer games between these two programs.

Marcus Freeman: Ascending to Elite Coaching Status

While the future of the Notre Dame-USC rivalry remains uncertain, there is no question about Marcus Freeman’s standing in college football. In just a few short years, Freeman has ascended to the ranks of college football’s elite coaches. His journey to becoming the head coach of Notre Dame in 2021 was quick but well-deserved, and his work since taking over has shown that he is more than capable of leading the Fighting Irish to national championship contention.

Freeman’s coaching pedigree is impressive, having served as a successful defensive coordinator at Cincinnati before making the leap to Notre Dame. His arrival at Notre Dame was met with excitement, as Freeman represented a new, youthful energy and a fresh perspective for a program steeped in tradition. Freeman’s ability to recruit, develop players, and implement an aggressive and modern style of play has quickly elevated the Fighting Irish into the conversation as one of the top programs in the country.

Freeman’s ascent has been meteoric. In 2023, Notre Dame finished the regular season with a 10-2 record, and the team was positioned well for a potential College Football Playoff berth. Freeman’s defensive expertise has become one of the cornerstones of Notre Dame’s identity, and his ability to attract top-tier recruits has put the program on track to compete at the highest level for years to come.

Freeman is also known for his ability to connect with his players. His leadership style emphasizes hard work, accountability, and discipline, and it’s clear that the players respect him. Under Freeman’s leadership, Notre Dame has developed a strong sense of culture and purpose, which is crucial for success in today’s competitive college football landscape.

With Freeman at the helm, Notre Dame’s future looks bright, and the program is once again positioned to challenge for a national title. However, Freeman’s ascent also raises a key question: what does the future of Notre Dame football look like in a rapidly changing landscape?

The Future of the Notre Dame-USC Rivalry

As much as Marcus Freeman has helped bring Notre Dame to the forefront of college football, the future of the Notre Dame-USC rivalry remains clouded in uncertainty. For many college football fans, this rivalry is a cherished tradition, and the prospect of it fading into the background is a bitter pill to swallow. If USC’s move to the Big Ten results in fewer matchups with Notre Dame, or if scheduling conflicts prevent this iconic rivalry from continuing in its current form, it would be a significant loss for the sport.

The challenge facing both programs is balancing the demands of conference play with the importance of maintaining these historic rivalries. For Notre Dame, as an independent program, the ability to schedule marquee matchups with teams like USC is critical for national relevance. Without these non-conference games, Notre Dame may struggle to position itself for a College Football Playoff spot, especially with the expanded format increasing the number of teams from each conference vying for spots.

On the other hand, USC’s move to the Big Ten presents an opportunity for the Trojans to compete against a new group of teams with whom they share historical ties. The increased exposure and financial benefits that come with joining a conference like the Big Ten are undeniable. However, this decision could also lead to fewer opportunities to maintain the non-conference rivalries that have defined USC football for decades.

As both programs navigate this evolving landscape, there is hope that the Notre Dame-USC rivalry can find a way to endure. With Freeman at the helm for Notre Dame, the future of the Fighting Irish is in good hands. Whether the rivalry continues in its current form or takes on a new shape, it’s clear that both Notre Dame and USC will remain at the heart of college football’s elite programs.

The 2025 season marks a crucial point in the history of the Notre Dame-USC rivalry. While the game has been one of the most storied and intense rivalries in all of college football, the shift toward super conferences and changing schedules threatens to alter the landscape of this tradition. At the same time, Marcus Freeman’s rise to elite coaching status provides hope for the future of Notre Dame football, as he continues to lead the program to new heights.

As both Notre Dame and USC look toward the future, there is a growing sense that the rivalry between these two programs may change forever. Whether the game remains a fixture on the schedule or fades into the background, the legacy of Notre Dame-USC will always be remembered as one of college football’s greatest rivalries. The question now is whether it can endure the seismic changes that are reshaping the sport.

In the end, college football is about tradition, passion, and unforgettable moments—and the Notre Dame-USC rivalry embodies all of that. Whether it continues in the years to come or not, the impact it has had on the sport will never be forgotten.