USC head coach Lincoln Riley has made it clear: he wants to preserve the storied rivalry between the University of Southern California and Notre Dame. But there’s a catch — and it reflects the new era of college football realignment and scheduling chaos.
As USC prepares to join the Big Ten Conference in 2024, logistical complications and shifting priorities across college football have raised questions about the future of non-conference rivalries. Chief among them is the annual clash with Notre Dame, a tradition that dates back to 1926 and stands as one of the sport’s most iconic inter-sectional matchups. With the Trojans soon embarking on a rigorous coast-to-coast Big Ten schedule, Riley’s commitment to maintaining the Notre Dame rivalry comes with a strategic caveat: he wants the flexibility to ensure the game benefits USC, not burdens it.
“We want to play Notre Dame,” Riley said during Pac-12 media availability in 2023. “It’s a great rivalry, and we respect the tradition. But we also have to be smart with the new conference realities. We can’t overload our schedule in a way that puts our players at a disadvantage.”
That caution stems from the logistical weight of USC’s upcoming travel schedule. Joining the Big Ten means annual trips to far-flung opponents like Rutgers, Penn State, and Michigan. Layering a physical game against Notre Dame — another team with national championship aspirations — on top of that could jeopardize player health and team momentum, especially late in the season.
Riley’s concern is not about ducking competition — his track record at Oklahoma and USC proves he’s not one to shy away from marquee games. Rather, his stance illustrates a growing tension in college football between tradition and pragmatism. Schools now must balance fan-favorite rivalries with postseason ambitions and player well-being, all under the watchful eye of television contracts and conference obligations.
Adding to the complexity, Notre Dame remains an independent in football, giving them more control over their scheduling. USC, meanwhile, will be locked into a nine-game Big Ten slate, leaving only three non-conference slots. Riley is open to continuing the Notre Dame game, but he wants input on when and how it fits into the broader competitive landscape.
One possible solution? Rotating the Notre Dame game earlier in the season or shifting it to a neutral-site matchup to reduce travel strain. USC and Notre Dame officials have been in talks, and both sides express optimism — but Riley’s tone is clear: the rivalry must evolve to survive.
“The landscape of college football is changing fast,” he said. “We’re committed to keeping what makes it special, but we also have to adapt.”
For now, the rivalry remains on the schedule through at least 2026, with both schools signaling an intent to continue beyond that. But Riley’s “catch” — prioritizing the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of his program — means the USC-Notre Dame rivalry may look different in years to come. Tradition will endure, but only if it aligns with the demands of modern college football.
