USC football booster threatens to take Trojans out of will if Notre Dame rivalry canceled

In one of the most passionate displays of college football loyalty in recent memory, a prominent University of Southern California (USC) football booster has made headlines by threatening to remove financial support—and even disinherit the Trojans—from his will if the iconic USC-Notre Dame football rivalry is canceled.

This dramatic statement underscores how deeply ingrained the rivalry is in the hearts of fans, alumni, and boosters, and how crucial the annual clash between the Trojans and the Fighting Irish remains in the college football landscape. The rivalry, which dates back nearly a century, represents more than just a game: it is a symbol of tradition, pride, and fierce competition that transcends generations.

In this article, we explore the origins of the rivalry, the reasons behind the booster’s ultimatum, the significance of the series to USC and Notre Dame communities, and the broader implications for college football.

The football rivalry between USC and Notre Dame is one of the most storied and intense in college football history. First played in 1926, the annual matchup has often been a highlight of the college football season, featuring high stakes, legendary players, and memorable moments.

The rivalry began as a cross-country battle, pitting the West Coast’s USC Trojans against the Midwest’s Notre Dame Fighting Irish. It quickly became a marquee event because of both programs’ national prominence, rich football history, and large fan bases.

Each year, the game draws significant attention from media, alumni, and college football enthusiasts across the country. It has featured Heisman Trophy winners, Hall of Fame coaches, and countless iconic plays that are etched into college football lore.

For USC fans, the rivalry is deeply symbolic of the program’s identity. The Trojans’ athletic tradition, especially in football, is built on fierce competition and excellence, and the Notre Dame game represents one of the toughest and most prestigious challenges on their schedule.

Winning against Notre Dame means more than just a victory; it’s a statement of supremacy in college football. It energizes the fan base, motivates players, and can influence recruiting and program prestige.

Recently, a well-known USC football booster—whose identity remains private—issued a startling ultimatum. The booster, who has been a significant donor to the Trojans’ football program for decades and is also a lifelong fan, reportedly told university officials that if the annual USC-Notre Dame rivalry game were to be canceled or removed from the schedule, he would cease all future donations and amend his will to exclude any financial support for the football program.

The booster’s stance reflects the deep emotional investment many fans and alumni have in the rivalry. For him and others, the game is a sacred tradition, an essential part of USC’s football culture that cannot be compromised.

In interviews and social media posts, the booster emphasized:

• Tradition is Everything: The rivalry connects generations of fans and players. Removing it would erode a core part of what makes USC football special.
• Impact on Recruiting: Losing the annual game against Notre Dame could weaken USC’s ability to attract top talent who want to compete against the best.
• Community and Alumni Engagement: The rivalry unites alumni and fans nationwide. Without it, a crucial pillar of community pride would be lost.

The booster’s threat to withdraw funding sends a strong message to the USC athletic department and university leadership about the stakes involved in maintaining the rivalry.

While the USC-Notre Dame rivalry has been played almost every year since its inception, certain factors have occasionally threatened the continuity of the series:

In recent years, the evolving college football landscape—with conference realignment, playoff considerations, and expanded schedules—has made non-conference matchups more complicated. USC’s move to the Big Ten Conference and Notre Dame’s independent status add layers of logistical complexity.

Television rights and contracts sometimes influence scheduling decisions. Networks may push for games that generate higher ratings or fit into specific time slots, which can make traditional rivalries harder to sustain

As the CFP evolves, some programs prioritize strength of schedule, conference championships, and playoff preparation, sometimes at the expense of longstanding non-conference rivalries.

The booster’s ultimatum has sparked widespread discussion and reactions within both universities’ communities

Many USC supporters echo the booster’s sentiments, emphasizing that the rivalry is non-negotiable. For them, the idea of the Trojans not playing Notre Dame is inconceivable and would represent a loss of identity.

On social media and fan forums, passionate voices call for the university to ensure the game continues no matter what. Some fans even proposed rallies and fundraisers to show support for the rivalry.

Notre Dame fans also value the rivalry highly, seeing USC as one of their fiercest and most historic opponents. While the Fighting Irish schedule many other rivals, the Trojans game is a centerpiece that carries national interest.

Notre Dame’s athletic department has expressed hope that the series will continue uninterrupted and emphasized the mutual respect between the programs.

The booster’s threat highlights a larger trend: the tension between tradition and modern college football realities. Across the sport, historic rivalries face challenges as schedules shift and priorities change.

Longstanding rivalries like USC-Notre Dame connect the sport’s past with its present, giving fans a sense of continuity and belonging. They showcase the passion and pageantry that make college football unique.

At the same time, universities must navigate financial pressures, conference politics, and the demands of playoff systems. Balancing these factors with tradition requires careful strategy and stakeholder engagement.

USC’s athletic department is reportedly in discussions about how to preserve the rivalry amid scheduling challenges. The booster’s ultimatum has added urgency to these talks, signaling that stakeholders expect the university to prioritize this historic matchup.

• Long-Term Contract Extensions: Securing multi-year agreements to guarantee the game continues.
• Scheduling Flexibility: Adjusting game dates or formats to fit evolving college football calendars.
• Enhanced Marketing: Leveraging the rivalry’s brand for increased revenue and visibility.

The USC-Notre Dame football rivalry is more than a contest on the field—it’s a cultural institution, a bridge across generations, and a symbol of college football’s enduring appeal. The booster’s dramatic ultimatum shines a spotlight on just how much the rivalry means to those invested in the Trojans’ legacy.

As college football continues to evolve, preserving these historic matchups will be vital to maintaining the sport’s soul. USC and Notre Dame, two of the game’s greatest programs, appear committed to ensuring that their rivalry endures—much to the relief and delight of fans everywhere.