Shehan Jeyarajah of CBS Sports Advocates for Annual Notre Dame vs. USC Matchup, Arguing the Rivalry Must Continue.

The rivalry between the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans and the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish is one of college football’s most iconic and long-standing matchups. For decades, the two programs have battled not only for supremacy in their respective conferences but also for pride, history, and tradition. The rivalry has produced some of the most thrilling games in college football history, captivating fans and creating lasting memories. Yet, in recent years, the future of this annual rivalry has come into question, particularly as conferences undergo realignment, schedules become more fluid, and the landscape of college football continues to evolve.

In a compelling article, Shehan Jeyarajah of CBS Sports argues that this rivalry must remain an annual fixture. He passionately makes the case that Notre Dame vs. USC isn’t just another college football game—it’s a tradition, a cultural staple, and a necessary contest that should be preserved at all costs. Here’s why Jeyarajah believes that the two programs, in the midst of an era of change, must continue to meet every year on the gridiron.

The Rich History of the Rivalry

The Notre Dame-USC rivalry dates back to 1926, making it one of the oldest and most storied matchups in college football. Over the years, this contest has featured everything from national title implications to Heisman-worthy performances, memorable upsets, and gut-wrenching comebacks. Each year, no matter the circumstances, the game has remained a high-stakes showdown that generates immense excitement.

The rivalry is particularly unique because of the geographical and cultural contrasts between the two programs. Notre Dame, based in South Bend, Indiana, represents a storied Catholic institution with a national following, while USC, located in Los Angeles, is a private institution known for its Hollywood connections and laid-back California vibe. The two schools, despite these differences, have always respected one another and have produced some of the most hard-fought and high-profile games in college football history.

One of the most famous games in this rivalry came in 1966 when Notre Dame, coached by the legendary Ara Parseghian, faced off against USC in a battle that ended in a 51-0 blowout. This victory, while monumental in its own right, was just one of many iconic moments that have marked the series over the years. From the days of legendary coaches like Parseghian, John McKay, and Lou Holtz to the current eras under Lincoln Riley and Marcus Freeman, the rivalry has always been a showcase of coaching prowess, star players, and national relevance.

Jeyarajah, in his article, emphasizes that the history of this rivalry is unmatched in college football. The records, the legendary performances, and the indelible moments created in this annual contest are woven into the fabric of both programs. Discontinuing this game would mean losing an irreplaceable part of college football’s history—a loss that, according to Jeyarajah, would be felt far beyond just Notre Dame and USC fans.

Cultural and Emotional Importance of the Rivalry

Beyond the X’s and O’s, the Notre Dame vs. USC game carries tremendous cultural significance. For many fans of both teams, this matchup represents the culmination of decades of passion, family traditions, and loyalty. It’s a game that extends far beyond the football field and becomes part of the fabric of each university’s culture. The rivalry isn’t just a game—it’s an event, an occasion that fans anticipate all year long.

For Notre Dame fans, the USC game is often the final hurdle in their pursuit of a perfect season. In some years, it has served as the last opportunity to secure a spot in a major bowl game or a chance at a national championship. For USC, the rivalry with Notre Dame is just as crucial, serving as a means of asserting dominance in the Pac-12 and showing that the Trojans can compete with the best.

The game also serves as a bonding experience for fans of both schools. Family traditions that span generations are centered around the Notre Dame-USC rivalry, with fans holding tailgates, attending games, and passing down stories about past matchups. These shared experiences transcend the sport itself, making the rivalry a living, breathing entity within both fan bases.

Jeyarajah also touches on how the rivalry represents more than just a game; it’s a symbol of pride for each school’s alumni and fan base. The stakes are always high, and the emotional investment from both sides makes the game all the more exhilarating. Whether it’s the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat, the outcomes of this game leave lasting impressions on those who are involved. The intensity of the rivalry fosters a sense of community, and the lore that surrounds this matchup only deepens over time.

The Changing Landscape of College Football

As college football continues to evolve—especially with conference realignment, new playoff structures, and changing scheduling formats—the Notre Dame-USC rivalry is increasingly viewed as a relic of a different era. As conferences like the Big Ten and SEC expand, some traditional matchups are being lost in favor of new, more lucrative games. However, Jeyarajah argues that this particular rivalry should be an exception.

The reality of modern college football means that many teams are no longer able to maintain their traditional rivalries. Conference realignment has made scheduling difficult, and in many cases, the push for television revenue and playoff positioning has led to the elimination of once-prominent matchups. Yet, Jeyarajah argues that the Notre Dame-USC game is one of the few rivalries that transcends conference affiliation and national television contracts. As an independent program, Notre Dame has the flexibility to schedule games that are of historical and cultural importance, and the USC rivalry should be a priority each season.

The rivalry also serves as a reminder that college football is about more than just money and playoff positions. The sport is rooted in tradition, history, and the connections that fans have to their teams. Jeyarajah highlights that maintaining this rivalry honors those traditions, offering a refreshing reminder that not every game needs to be dictated by conference affiliations or playoff ramifications.

The Future of College Football and the Need for Rivalries

As college football continues to face challenges related to media rights deals, the expansion of the playoff, and the impact of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, it’s easy to overlook the importance of rivalries like Notre Dame vs. USC. However, Jeyarajah’s argument is that preserving these rivalries is essential for the health of the sport. Rivalries foster intense fan engagement, generate media buzz, and create matchups that remain relevant regardless of conference affiliation or postseason implications.

In a world where college football is becoming increasingly commercialized and driven by TV ratings and financial incentives, the heart and soul of the sport are often at risk of being forgotten. By keeping the Notre Dame-USC game as an annual fixture, college football retains one of its most cherished traditions. The rivalry may not always have direct implications for the College Football Playoff, but its cultural significance and the passion it generates are immeasurable.

The National Appeal of the Rivalry

What makes the Notre Dame-USC rivalry particularly valuable is its national appeal. Both schools are well-known across the country, and their fan bases stretch far beyond their home states. Notre Dame has a nationwide following due to its independent status and rich history, while USC’s status as a premier program in the Pac-12 has allowed it to develop a strong fan base on the West Coast and beyond. These two schools have a unique ability to draw attention from all corners of the United States, making their matchup a must-watch event for college football fans everywhere.

In a world where college football is increasingly dominated by a few powerhouses, the Notre Dame-USC rivalry provides a rare opportunity for two programs to go head-to-head, showcasing the rich diversity of college football. The game allows fans from both coasts to unite in their love for their teams, and it offers a level of national exposure that few other games can match.

In his article, Shehan Jeyarajah makes a compelling case that the Notre Dame-USC rivalry should continue for the foreseeable future. With its rich history, cultural significance, and national appeal, the game represents everything that makes college football great. As the sport navigates the challenges of modernity, preserving traditions like this one is crucial for ensuring that the sport remains vibrant, exciting, and meaningful.

The Notre Dame vs. USC game is more than just a football game. It is a celebration of college football, its history, and its passionate fan bases. As Jeyarajah argues, this rivalry should not be allowed to slip away in the face of conference realignment, scheduling issues, and financial pressures. It is a game that fans from all over the country look forward to each season, and it’s a game that deserves to be played every year. For the health of college football and the preservation of its traditions, the Notre Dame-USC rivalry must continue.