USC-Notre Dame Football Rivalry Pauses in 2026, Sparking Reactions from Legends
The storied USC-Notre Dame football rivalry will not be played in 2026, marking the first time the game has been absent since the series began in 1926, excluding interruptions during World War II and the COVID-19 pandemic. Notre Dame has scheduled BYU to fill its open date for 2026, while USC's transition to the Big Ten Conference complicates scheduling traditional non-conference games in August and September.
The rivalry has featured 96 meetings to date, with Notre Dame leading the series 53-38-5. The most recent contest in 2025 saw Notre Dame defeat USC 34-24 in South Bend. Officials from both universities emphasize the special nature of the rivalry and have expressed a commitment to restoring the annual "Battle for the Jeweled Shillelagh" in the future.
USC legend Matt Leinart defended the program amidst the pause, highlighting USC's and its peers' history of national championships and Heisman Trophy winners, and suggested the hiatus could be temporary. Meanwhile, former USC coach Pete Carroll voiced disappointment, questioning the rationale behind the decision and stressing the rivalry's significance to fans and alumni.
Together, USC and Notre Dame boast a combined 22 national championships and 15 Heisman Trophy winners, underscoring the historic importance of this college football matchup.
