It's bad enough that Notre Dame lost out to USC for the services of Honor Fa’alave-Johnson. Now it looks like the Trojans are trying to add insult to injury. The old Fighting Irish rival did more than simply celebrate getting the pledge of a 5-star athlete. They also threw out a less than subtle dig at Marcus Freeman and Co.
Fa’alave-Johnson announced his commitment earlier this month and picked USC over the Irish, Oregon and others. After making the announcement, the Trojans used their social media account to post a message, showing someone spray painting grass red. In addition to the short video, the words "guess the grass wasn't greener" popped up in the middle.
https://t.co/fVikCawPWO pic.twitter.com/Lm4EfYrIDC
— The Domerlorian ☘️ (@jaredsla) March 27, 2026
More than a few Notre Dame backers took that message to be aimed at the Irish what with the color green being associated with the program.
Why USC’s post after beating Notre Dame football for Honor Fa’alave-Johnson raised eyebrows
Oh my god we are going to beat yall by 50😭 https://t.co/9W7tdq5Xzj
— ً (@Dubsn4) March 26, 2026
While Notre Dame lost out on Fa’alave-Johnson’s recruitment to USC, it wasn’t that much of a surprise. Proximity to home is always though to battle when your team is halfway across the country, but the Irish have been able to do it more than a few times.The defensive back grew up and played high school football in the Trojans' back yard.
This isn't as cool and sassy as you think it is ...just play Notre Dame when you are supposed to. You are destroying our pride and identity and being petty while doing it. Stop getting in recruiting twitter fights https://t.co/WuaamdFyiW
— Petros Papadakis (@Theoldp) March 27, 2026
Most likely a safety at the next level, the Irish are still in a good position to land multiple top 2027 targets at the position. All of that makes it a little more odd that USC would be crowing this much over the new commitment.
USC trolling Oregon over a recruiting win in March is about as smart as their Director of Player Personnel acting tough at midfield last season. #GoDucks https://t.co/i7fAZ2G2nM pic.twitter.com/nq2sdLpsPw
— Eric Hovland (@EricJHovland) March 26, 2026
It's also possible of course, that the post wasn't aimed at Notre Dame. Oregon fans, for instance, think it was meant for them. However, it does seem clear that whoever it was aimed at, it was aimed at someone. That seems especially odd considering there are bound to be more recruiting battles this year and in the future. USC will lose its fair share.
They should hope they don't lose as many recruiting battles as games they've lost on the field to Notre Dame and Oregon. The Irish have won three in a row against the Trojans. Oregon has won four in a row.