Could the Notre Dame football rivalry with USC come back already? There are at least whispers that the two sides have begun early discussions. However, it's worth noting that the Trojans are still the Trojans, and it feels like all of this could be another attempt to blame the Fighting Irish for the series ending. Lincoln Riley and Co. tried to use surrogates to blame Marcus Freeman's squad last time, though no one really believed it.
Lincoln Riley and Marcus Freeman reportedly have USC and Notre Dame football talking again
Reports that the two sides are working to restart the series began with the Los Angeles Times. USCbeat writer/surrogate Ryan Kartje wrote on Monday morning that the Irish and Trojans have officially begun active discussions to resume one of the most storied rivalries in college football history.
"It’s not clear yet when the rivalry series will return or what the terms will be. A person familiar with the discussions not authorized to talk about them publicly told The Times that Notre Dame is now willing to discuss playing the game earlier in the season, which had previously been a sticking point," Kartje wrote.
The line about the Irish being willing to play earlier is the one that should make ND fans' ears perk up. When the rivalry died, USC tried to claim it did so because Notre Dame wouldn't move the game.Â
Unfortunately for the Trojans, they also let slip that the issue was largely about not wanting a tough schedule in the College Football Playoff era. The team they scheduled once the Irish were dropped (San Jose State) certainly seemed to underline that point.
Lincoln Riley and Marcus Freeman face old baggage in USC and Notre Dame football talks
For those who want to believe USC is negotiating in good faith, two factors have changed since the rivalry was put on ice. With all the talk that the playoffs will expand to 24 teams in 2027, the need to go undefeated or only post one loss goes away for Power 4 teams.
There is also a chance that Week 0 will now become Week 1 as the NCAA is expected to move the schedule up. USC has long wanted to play Notre Dame in Week 0, but restrictions would require special dispensation, and the Irish weren't interested in pursuing it.
Until Notre Dame confirms they are willing to move the game, all of this is moot, and early talks lead to nothing. It's also worth noting that if the rivalry does restart, it's unlikely to be very soon. With schedules the way they are, insiders claim 2030 is likely the soonest things would get rolling again.
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