Notre Dame will host USC this season on October 18th for PrimeTime kickoff & it COULD be the final matchup in South Bend for “The Greatest Intersectional Rivalry” in college football
On October 18, 2025, Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend will host one of college football’s most storied rivalries: the Fighting Irish versus the USC Trojans. This matchup, scheduled for a primetime kickoff, could be the final meeting in South Bend between these two historic programs. The rivalry, known as “The Greatest Intersectional Rivalry,” has been a cornerstone of college football since 1926. However, with conference realignments and changing schedules, this game may mark the end of an era.
The Notre Dame–USC football rivalry began on December 4, 1926, with a narrow 13–12 victory for Notre Dame at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Since then, the two teams have faced each other annually, with the exception of a few years during World War II and the COVID-19 pandemic. The rivalry is highlighted by the Jeweled Shillelagh, a trophy awarded to the winner each year since 1952. As of the end of the 2024 season, Notre Dame leads the all-time series 52–38–5, including a 35–30–3 record since the introduction of the trophy .
Over the decades, the rivalry has produced numerous memorable moments. One of the most iconic games occurred in 1974 when USC overcame a 24-point deficit to defeat Notre Dame 55–24, a comeback that is still celebrated in Trojan lore . Another notable game took place in 2005, when Notre Dame, wearing green jerseys, narrowly lost to USC 34–31 in a matchup that was dubbed the “Game of the Century”
The 2025 season brings uncertainty to the future of this rivalry. With USC’s move to the Big Ten Conference, the annual matchup with Notre Dame is no longer guaranteed. The October 18 game in South Bend could be the last time these two teams meet in Indiana, making it a poignant occasion for fans and alumni alike. The possibility of this being the final South Bend encounter adds an emotional layer to what is already one of college football’s most anticipated games.
As the 2025 season approaches, both teams are preparing for what could be a historic finale in South Bend. For Notre Dame, a victory would not only continue their recent success in the rivalry but also serve as a fitting tribute to a tradition that has spanned nearly a century. For USC, the game represents an opportunity to assert their dominance in the rivalry before potential changes in future schedules.
Regardless of the outcome, the October 18 game will be a celebration of a rivalry that has defined college football for generations. Fans from both sides will gather, perhaps for the last time in South Bend, to witness a game that embodies the passion, tradition, and excitement of college football.
As the 2025 season unfolds, all eyes will be on South Bend, where history and tradition collide in what could be the final chapter of a legendary rivalry.
