USC Faces Fan Uproar If They Don’t Secure Long-Term Deal With Notre Dame: Time to Make It Happen.

The USC–Notre Dame rivalry is one of the most historic and passionate matchups in college football, and for good reason. With decades of intense competition, iconic players, and unforgettable moments, the annual clash between the Trojans and the Fighting Irish has become a cornerstone of the college football season. Yet, as USC’s future in college football is changing with its move to the Big Ten Conference, questions are being raised about the future of this legendary rivalry. For many fans, the idea that this matchup could be threatened or reduced in frequency is unthinkable.

In this report, we explore the growing tension around the potential for the USC-Notre Dame rivalry to fade away, the backlash that USC could face from its fanbase if this happens, and why it’s critical for both schools to secure a long-term contract to continue the rivalry moving forward. As both programs evolve and adjust to the demands of college football’s changing landscape, there’s one thing that’s clear: this rivalry is too important to both schools and their fanbases to let it slip away. It’s time for USC and Notre Dame to make it official, ensuring that this iconic game remains a fixture for years to come.

The Legacy of the USC–Notre Dame Rivalry

The USC–Notre Dame rivalry is one of the most storied in college football history. Dating back to 1926, the annual meeting between these two elite programs has become synonymous with dramatic moments, high-stakes games, and legendary performances. Both schools, with rich traditions and passionate fanbases, have built their programs on success, national championships, and, perhaps most importantly, fierce competition. The rivalry has transcended regional interests to become a true national spectacle.

USC, with its history of Heisman-winning quarterbacks and championship teams, has always been a dominant force in college football. Meanwhile, Notre Dame, as an independent program, has maintained its status as one of the most prestigious and well-known teams in the sport. The Irish have captured countless championships and produced a long list of legendary players. When these two teams meet, the implications go beyond the win-loss column; they represent a clash of college football’s elite, a battle of traditions, and a game that has far-reaching effects on the national landscape.

The rivalry has delivered some of college football’s greatest moments. From dramatic finishes to game-changing plays, it’s a series that has consistently delivered high drama. In recent years, games like the 2005 “Bush Push” — where USC’s Reggie Bush helped the Trojans pull off a dramatic victory — have further cemented this matchup’s place in college football lore. For fans, the game is not just a game; it’s a tradition, a statement of pride, and an essential part of their college football experience.

But as college football continues to evolve, there’s growing concern that this iconic rivalry might no longer hold the same significance it once did. With conference realignment and changing schedules, traditional non-conference matchups like USC–Notre Dame are increasingly at risk.

The Changing Landscape of College Football

In recent years, college football has undergone seismic shifts in its structure. With the massive conference realignments, programs like USC are no longer operating in the familiar landscape of the Pac-12. In 2024, USC, along with UCLA, made the controversial decision to join the Big Ten Conference, aligning itself with some of the nation’s premier programs like Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State. While the move to the Big Ten brings substantial benefits — including increased television exposure, recruitment opportunities, and financial rewards — it also creates challenges for programs like USC, particularly when it comes to maintaining longstanding rivalries.

As part of the Big Ten’s push to create a competitive schedule, USC will be required to play an entirely different set of teams, some of which have been traditional rivals for decades. The Trojans will also have to navigate a more challenging conference schedule, with less flexibility to schedule non-conference games that have historically defined the program, like the annual battle with Notre Dame.

Notre Dame, as an independent program, has long relied on games like USC to maintain its national relevance and fill its schedule with high-profile opponents. But the demands of an increasingly congested schedule, particularly with the expansion of the College Football Playoff, are making it more difficult for Notre Dame to schedule such high-stakes games without the cooperation of its opponents. With USC now in the Big Ten, the possibility of maintaining the Notre Dame–USC rivalry as a regular, marquee matchup looks increasingly uncertain.

The Fan Backlash: Why Fans Won’t Stand for It

If USC fails to secure a long-term deal with Notre Dame to continue their annual matchup, the backlash from Trojan fans will be swift and significant. The USC–Notre Dame rivalry is far more than just a game; it’s an integral part of the program’s identity and its history. For fans, the thought of this series disappearing or becoming less frequent is nothing short of sacrilege.

USC’s fanbase is one of the most passionate in all of college football. Trojans fans live and breathe their football team, and the Notre Dame game is one of the most anticipated events of each season. To remove that game would be to sever a vital part of the program’s legacy and alienate the very fans that have supported the Trojans for decades. If USC were to back out of the rivalry due to logistical reasons, or fail to prioritize it in the scheduling process, it could lead to a significant loss of goodwill with fans.

The backlash would likely be felt on multiple levels. First, fans would likely vent their frustrations on social media, where their anger over the decision would quickly spread. Protest petitions, public demands for action from the university, and vocal criticisms of athletic administrators and leadership would undoubtedly follow. In an era where college football programs are increasingly reliant on fan engagement and support, the risk of losing the backing of such a passionate fanbase is a threat that USC can ill afford to ignore.

Secondly, the alumni community, which has always been an essential part of USC’s success, would likely rally in defense of the rivalry. Many of the Trojans’ most famous alumni, including former Heisman winners and NFL stars, have witnessed firsthand the importance of the Notre Dame game. These alumni voices would undoubtedly add pressure on the administration to prioritize the game, both for the sake of tradition and for the continued success of the program.

Finally, the loss of the Notre Dame game would also be felt in terms of recruiting. USC has long relied on its national brand and its rivalry games to attract top talent. By reducing or eliminating games with high-profile teams like Notre Dame, USC could risk losing the edge it holds over other programs in the recruiting world. The exposure, history, and pride associated with the USC–Notre Dame game are an integral part of USC’s appeal to prospective recruits, and removing this from the schedule would undoubtedly hurt the program’s ability to recruit at the highest level.

The Importance of Securing the Deal

Given the outcry that would come from fans and alumni, it is critical for USC to act swiftly to secure a long-term agreement with Notre Dame that ensures this rivalry continues for the foreseeable future. The program’s leadership must recognize that the significance of this game extends beyond the win-loss record. It’s about tradition, national exposure, and maintaining the integrity of what has always been one of college football’s greatest rivalries.

For USC, securing this deal is more than just preserving a game on the schedule; it’s about keeping the program connected to its history and ensuring that its legacy continues. The rivalry with Notre Dame is a signature part of USC football, and if the Trojans are to continue to compete at the highest level, they must not lose sight of the importance of this game.

Likewise, Notre Dame’s athletic department must also be fully committed to maintaining this historic rivalry. As an independent, Notre Dame relies on marquee matchups like USC to build its national profile and keep itself relevant in the playoff race. The Fighting Irish are one of the few programs in the country that can afford to maintain a rigorous non-conference schedule, and losing a game like USC could severely hurt their ability to contend for national championships in the future.

Both schools, then, have a vested interest in keeping the USC–Notre Dame rivalry alive. This isn’t just about one game; it’s about continuing the rich history and tradition that has shaped college football. As the sport continues to evolve, it’s crucial that both USC and Notre Dame prioritize this rivalry and make it a central part of their football programs.

In a rapidly changing landscape, the USC–Notre Dame rivalry stands as a testament to college football’s enduring tradition. However, with realignment and changing schedules threatening its future, it’s more important than ever for both programs to act decisively and secure a long-term contract that guarantees the continuation of this iconic matchup.

For USC, the fan backlash would be significant if they failed to secure this deal. Trojan fans, alumni, and recruits all have a strong emotional connection to the Notre Dame game, and the absence of that rivalry would be a blow to the program’s identity. But this is not just a matter of fan sentiment—it’s also about ensuring USC’s national relevance and maintaining the tradition that has helped the Trojans remain one of the most prestigious programs in college football.

Now is the time for both USC and Notre Dame to act. The game is too important to both teams and their fanbases to let it slip away. It’s time to make this rivalry official for the long term, ensuring that generations of fans will continue to enjoy one of the greatest matchups in college football history. If the rivalry is to endure, the schools must come together, make the necessary adjustments, and commit to ensuring that this game remains a centerpiece of the college football landscape for years to come.