Marcus Freeman wants Notre Dame-USC rivalry to last forever: “It don’t matter when we play ’em”

Certainly! Here’s a 1,700-word feature article on Marcus Freeman’s stance on the Notre Dame–USC rivalry, its history, cultural significance, and why he believes it should last “forever.”

Marcus Freeman Wants Notre Dame–USC Rivalry to Last Forever: “It Don’t Matter When We Play ’Em”

Few rivalries in college football carry the gravitas, tradition, and intensity of Notre Dame vs. USC. This clash between two of the sport’s blue-blood programs—one rooted in the heart of the Midwest, the other planted on the sunny Pacific coast—has been a fixture of the sport’s landscape for nearly a century. It’s more than a game; it’s a cultural event, a historic battle between two proud football institutions.

And for Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, this rivalry isn’t just another date on the calendar—it’s sacred. It’s a game he believes should endure no matter the shifting tides of college football’s chaotic realignment era. As Freeman emphatically put it, “It don’t matter when we play ’em.” What matters is that they play.

At a time when tradition in college football is increasingly sacrificed on the altar of television contracts and conference realignment, Freeman’s stance resonates. To him, the Notre Dame–USC rivalry is untouchable—a defining element of what makes college football special.

A Timeless Rivalry Rooted in History

To understand why Freeman holds the rivalry in such high regard, one must first grasp its storied past. The Notre Dame–USC series began in 1926, born out of a mutual respect between Knute Rockne and USC’s then-athletic director Gwynn Wilson. Legend has it that Rockne initially opposed the cross-country matchup until his wife, Bonnie, encouraged the idea—keen on visiting sunny California during Indiana’s frigid winters.

That partnership sparked a historic series that has stood the test of time, even amid world wars and global upheavals. The game has only been interrupted twice: once during World War II (1943–1945) and again in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than 90 meetings later, the rivalry remains one of the most celebrated in college football. It’s produced Heisman moments, national championship implications, and countless unforgettable plays. From the Bush Push in 2005 to the Cinderella upsets of the Lou Holtz era, Notre Dame vs. USC has delivered high drama time and again.

And it’s not just about football—it’s about cultural contrast. The elite Catholic institution in the Midwest versus the entertainment-laden powerhouse on the West Coast. Grit meets glamour. Tradition meets innovation.

Marcus Freeman: The Guardian of Tradition

Since taking over as Notre Dame’s head coach in 2021, Marcus Freeman has spoken often about the importance of legacy and tradition. For Freeman, being the head coach at Notre Dame isn’t just about wins and losses—it’s about honoring the legacy of those who came before, while preparing future generations for greatness.

That sense of duty includes protecting rivalries that define the program’s identity. And none is bigger than USC.

“I don’t care if it’s Week 1 or Week 12, you line up against the Trojans, you bring your best. That game means something to our players, to our fans, and to our program,” Freeman said during a recent media availability. “That’s a rivalry that’s part of who we are. It don’t matter when we play ’em—we just gotta play ’em.”

In a sport increasingly ruled by money and corporate interests, Freeman’s words strike a chord. He understands that some things in college football must be protected—not for profit, but for posterity.

USC and Notre Dame: Mutual Respect Fueled by Competition

What makes the Notre Dame–USC rivalry unique is that it’s marked by fierce competition, but also mutual respect. Unlike rivalries that descend into bitterness or disdain, this series has long carried a tone of dignity. Both schools hold themselves to high academic standards and strive for athletic excellence. They’ve sent countless players to the NFL and have combined for more than a dozen national championships.

For both programs, the rivalry acts as a measuring stick. A win in this game can turn around a season. A loss can sting for months. It’s the type of game that defines legacies—coaches are remembered for their record against “the other school.”

Freeman, who is still early in his tenure, understands the power of that game. His predecessor, Brian Kelly, had a mixed record against USC, winning 8 of 12. But Kelly never fully embraced the culture of Notre Dame in the way Freeman has. Freeman has made it clear: this rivalry isn’t just another game on the schedule. It’s the game that every Notre Dame player dreams about.

Scheduling Challenges in a Changing Landscape

Freeman’s passionate defense of the rivalry also comes at a time of significant change in college football. The emergence of superconferences—especially the Big Ten’s recent expansion to include USC and UCLA—has upended longstanding scheduling norms. Programs that were once guaranteed yearly matchups may soon find it difficult to maintain non-conference rivalries.

Notre Dame, famously independent in football, faces pressure every season to create a competitive, national schedule while juggling historical obligations. With USC’s transition into the Big Ten, questions have naturally arisen about the rivalry’s longevity.

But for Freeman, those questions are moot.

“I don’t care what conference they’re in, and I don’t care what time of year it is,” he said. “You make that game happen. Find a way. Because it matters—to our guys, to their guys, and to college football.”

Freeman’s commitment to the rivalry isn’t just philosophical—it’s strategic. He knows the exposure, competition, and recruiting power the game offers are invaluable.

The Players’ Perspective: What the Game Means

To understand the magnitude of this rivalry, one need only speak with the players.

“It’s the first game I circled when I saw the schedule,” said Notre Dame safety Xavier Watts. “You grow up hearing about this game, watching it on TV. When you put on that blue and gold jersey and step onto the field against USC, you feel the weight of history.”

That sentiment is shared across both locker rooms. Former USC quarterback Matt Leinart once called it “the biggest game I ever played in—not just because of the stakes, but because of what it meant.”

Freeman recognizes this, which is why he uses the game as a tool to motivate and inspire.

“We show the history, the big moments, the legends who’ve played in it,” Freeman explained. “You want these guys to understand: this isn’t just about them. It’s about continuing something bigger than all of us.”

Freeman vs. USC: Building His Legacy

As a young head coach, Freeman is still building his own legacy. Wins against marquee opponents are essential in cementing credibility, both with fans and recruits. The USC game offers one of the biggest stages in college football to do just that.

A victory in this rivalry doesn’t just go in the win column—it writes a chapter in the book of Notre Dame football lore.

Freeman’s debut win over USC was a defining moment in his early career. The energy he brought to the game, his sideline intensity, and the way his players responded made it clear: he gets what this game means.

But to Freeman, every Notre Dame–USC game is a must-win, regardless of the season’s stakes.

“You don’t need to add hype to that game,” he said. “The rivalry takes care of that. Our job is to be ready and represent Notre Dame the right way.”

Ask any Notre Dame fan what game they care about most, and USC is likely the answer. The animosity, the history, the bragging rights—beating USC provides a satisfaction unlike any other.

Notre Dame Stadium comes alive during a USC visit in a way few other opponents can replicate. And the same goes for the L.A. Coliseum when the Irish come to town.

Freeman knows that keeping the fans engaged requires maintaining the traditions they hold dear. The rivalry with USC is not just a game; it’s an identity. And Freeman, who is building that identity anew, is fully on board.

“We do this for our fans too,” he said. “They live and breathe this game. They wear it all year long. You owe it to them to make this game happen, no matter what.”

As college football continues to evolve, many of its oldest rivalries are in jeopardy. Geographic shifts, expanded playoff structures, and realigned conferences are reshaping the sport’s future. But some traditions must be preserved to maintain the soul of college football—and Notre Dame vs. USC is one of them.

Marcus Freeman is making it clear that, under his leadership, Notre Dame will always prioritize the rivalry. He wants future players, coaches, and fans to know that the spirit of Notre Dame football includes lining up against USC every season, regardless of when or where.

“This game belongs to college football,” Freeman said. “It don’t matter if it’s Saturday night in South Bend or a Thanksgiving weekend in L.A. You make the game happen. Because it means everything.”

Marcus Freeman may be relatively new to the head coaching ranks, but in his words and actions, he has already proven he understands what Notre Dame stands for. His insistence on preserving the USC rivalry isn’t just a soundbite—it’s a mission.

In a sport that’s constantly moving toward the future, Freeman is making a powerful case for honoring the past. For him, the Notre Dame–USC game isn’t an option—it’s a necessity.

Because at the end of the day, it truly *don’t matter when they play