Lincoln Riley Says USC-Notre Dame Rivalry Was “One of the Reasons I Came Here,” Embraces Tradition, Passion, and Pressure.

For USC head coach Lincoln Riley, tradition isn’t just a footnote in the college football narrative — it’s a driving force. And few traditions hold more weight than the annual grudge match between the University of Southern California and Notre Dame. In a recent interview, Riley made clear that the century-old rivalry wasn’t just a box on the schedule — it was a significant factor in his decision to leave Oklahoma and take over the reins at USC.

“It’s one of the reasons I came here,” Riley said. “This game, this rivalry — it means something. It’s a part of college football’s soul.”

A Legacy Woven in History

The USC-Notre Dame rivalry dates back to 1926, a clash built on coast-to-coast competition, national implications, and blue-blood prestige. For nearly a century, it has featured Heisman winners, national title stakes, and moments that have become part of the sport’s folklore.

USC leads the all-time series narrowly, but both programs have taken turns dominating in stretches. From the days of Knute Rockne and Frank Leahy, to John McKay, Pete Carroll, and now Lincoln Riley, the Trojans have viewed this matchup as a measuring stick — not just of their season, but of their program’s identity.

Riley, now in his third year at USC, is well aware of the magnitude.

Riley’s Passion for College Football’s Pageantry

When Riley left Oklahoma — where he compiled a 55–10 record and produced multiple Heisman-winning quarterbacks — many were surprised. But he insists his decision was motivated by more than weather or NIL potential.

“I’ve always loved college football’s big stages. The Rose Bowl, the Coliseum, and yes, Notre Dame Stadium,” Riley said. “You walk into those environments and you feel the weight of it — the bands, the banners, the boos. It’s what makes this sport different.”

For Riley, the allure of playing Notre Dame each year offers something few rivalries can: national relevance, tradition, and the possibility of reshaping a season in 60 minutes.

What Riley Brings to the Rivalry

In two seasons, Riley has reignited USC’s offense and national profile. With Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams at quarterback in 2022 and a host of high-level recruits flooding in, the Trojans returned to national prominence under his guidance. But Riley knows beating Notre Dame consistently is a different kind of success.

“In this rivalry, you’re judged differently,” Riley said. “You can win 10 games, but if you lose to Notre Dame, it stings a little extra.”

Last season, USC suffered a tough 48-20 loss to the Irish in South Bend — a game that exposed flaws in the Trojans’ defense and derailed momentum in the middle of the year. Riley doesn’t shy away from acknowledging that setback, and in fact, says it’s part of the rivalry’s beauty.

“You don’t get to hide,” Riley said. “You play in front of the whole country, and either you make a statement, or they do.”

USC-Notre Dame as a Recruiting Tool

Beyond bragging rights, Riley understands the power of the rivalry on the recruiting trail. With USC battling programs like Georgia, Alabama, Oregon, and Ohio State for top prospects, showcasing the Trojans on a national platform like Notre Dame weekend is invaluable.

“When kids see the Coliseum full, or they see us walk into South Bend and go toe-to-toe with Notre Dame, it resonates,” Riley explained. “These games are on every screen. These are the games future pros dream about.”

Several current USC players, including five-star defensive end Elijah Hughes and quarterback Julian Lewis (2026 commit), cited the Notre Dame rivalry as a reason they were drawn to the program.

“It shows that USC isn’t afraid of anyone,” Hughes said. “Coach Riley doesn’t run from the spotlight.”

Building a Physical Identity

While Riley’s teams are known for explosive offense, critics have pointed to USC’s defense as the missing piece. After last year’s loss to Notre Dame — where the Trojans gave up nearly 250 rushing yards — Riley made significant changes, including parting ways with former defensive coordinator Alex Grinch.

The new-look defensive staff, paired with SEC-caliber transfers and a renewed emphasis on physicality, signals a shift in Riley’s approach — one inspired, in part, by rivalry losses.

“If you’re going to beat Notre Dame consistently, you better be tough in the trenches,” Riley said. “That’s where we’ve worked the hardest.”

Embracing the Pressure

Some coaches shy away from pressure. Riley seems to thrive in it.

He acknowledges that the USC job — and particularly the expectations around the Notre Dame game — can be overwhelming, but insists that’s the point.

“I didn’t come here to be comfortable. I came here because of the challenge,” Riley said. “Because of games like this.”

The Trojans will host the Irish at the Coliseum this fall in what’s already shaping up to be a high-stakes contest. With College Football Playoff hopes and recruiting momentum on the line, it may be Riley’s most important chapter in the rivalry to date.

What USC Needs to Flip the Series

Notre Dame has won five of the last six meetings, including two blowouts. For Riley to flip the script, his team must do more than light up the scoreboard. That means tackling in space, winning third downs, and matching the Irish’s physical style.

He also knows that legends are made in this game.

“You want to be remembered at USC? Beat Notre Dame. That’s the standard.”

Players Buying In

Several of Riley’s star players, including linebacker Eric Gentry and wideout Zachariah Branch, say the staff doesn’t let them forget the importance of the rivalry.

“Coach makes it clear — this isn’t just another game,” Gentry said. “This one’s for the alums, the history, the legacy.”

Lincoln Riley came to USC with national championships in mind, but along the way, he’s embraced the spirit of one of college football’s most iconic rivalries. For him, the Notre Dame-USC series is not just a game — it’s a platform, a proving ground, and a legacy builder.

“When I’m done coaching, I want to look back and know we left a mark on this rivalry,” Riley said. “Because if you do that, you’ve done something special.”

And if history is any guide, the next USC-Notre Dame clash will offer Riley — and his Trojans — another opportunity to write their chapter in this timeless saga.