It's hardly surprising that after Notre Dame and USC confirmed their series is at least paused, that lots of finger-pointing has flown fast and furiously online. However, while the Trojans might have wanted the Irish to share the blame, it's clear which school decided to pull the ripcord and end the rivalry until at least 2030.
Because of that, it's not just Notre Dame fans or college football fans who are angry at USC. There are plenty of Trojans who have participated in the rivalry series over the years who are livid over the announcement.
Keyshawn Johnson might be the loudest of the bunch when talking about the cowardice of ending USC's rivalry with Notre Dame. He didn't hold back as he posted a video making it clear he thinks the Trojans made a massive mistake.
The know-nothings will cheer USC dropping Notre Dame but I'm hearing from a lot of former players today who built the tradition and legacy at USC, and they are livid
— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) December 22, 2025
Former USC stars rip decision to pause Notre Dame series
"Man, you know what? I've heard it all. I've seen it all. I can't believe what I just heard. But I just heard that. We're not playing Notre Dame. I think the series is getting ready to end, like in the next year or so."
This is ridiculous! Just say we scared. I’ll accept that at least it’s the truth. 🤦🏾♂️ #USC #Trojans #NotreDame pic.twitter.com/B11S2sqcEX
— Keyshawn Johnson (@keyshawn) December 22, 2025
The series is actually over as of now.
"Here's what I'm going to say, man. I don't know what the F is going on with our athletic department," Johnson continued. "Okay, we got people in there that are not Trojans, that don't know anything about being a Trojan, running our athletic department. We got a head coach that knows nothing about being a Trojan. Why don't we just... Not play football. How about that? We're not going to play Notre Dame again, possibly, until 2030."
Johnson is far from the only member of former USC teams who is furious with head coach Lincoln Riley and AD Jennifer Cohen for killing off such an essential part of the school's history, just in case it hurts their College Football Playoff chances.
Unfortunately, public pressure has been on USC over the last year to find a way to keep the rivalry going. Notre Dame has made it clear how important it is to the school. And yet, it's over. Kudos to Keyshawn for speaking out, but it seems unlikely to change anything at this point.