Why Notre Dame Desperately Needs to Revive Its Rivalry with USC

The Rivalry That Defined a Century

Notre Dame and USC—two names synonymous with college football lore. The Fighting Irish and the Trojans have met on the field every season since 1926, except for a few notable breaks. World War II forced a hiatus, as did the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, we're at a crossroads as talks to rekindle this iconic rivalry surface once again.

The Stakes of the Conversation

According to recent reports from Ryan Kartje of the Los Angeles Times, Notre Dame is expressing a new willingness to work around the schedule to bring USC back into the fold, even if it means playing them earlier in the season. This is a significant shift for a program that has traditionally carved its own path in college football.

“USC has all the leverage,” argued Colin Cowherd on a recent episode of "The Herd." “They don't need another cold-weather game in October when they're already fighting for position in the Big Ten.”

The Shift in Power

The truth is, USC's status in college football has drastically changed with its move to the Big Ten. As Cowherd pointed out, the Trojans find themselves amidst a powerhouse conference that has consistently produced national champions in recent years. Their fierce competition now overshadows the once-feared Fighting Irish. This begs the question: does Notre Dame really still hold the same prominence, or is the brand losing its luster?

The Irish's Dilemma

For Notre Dame, the reality is sobering. Their desire to play USC speaks volumes about their need for quality opponents. With the football landscape evolving into super conferences, the Irish's traditional independence seems to be a double-edged sword. As schools like Texas and Oklahoma join the SEC, Notre Dame is left scrambling for credible competition.

With BYU now set as a replacement for USC in 2026, it highlights their shift from chasing iconic rivalries to maintaining a semblance of competitiveness in their schedule. Even if the Cougars put up a decent fight, they lack the storied history and intensity that a matchup against USC promises.

Navigating CFP Implications

As the College Football Playoff (CFP) expands and becomes more competitive, the Irish must elevate their game. Their current schedule lacks heavyweights, putting pressure on them to deliver perfect seasons if they wish to secure playoff spots. If they falter against BYU, could that silence any hopes of a playoff run? With an easy slate ahead, it's a real but bitter conundrum for Notre Dame.

The Future of the Rivalry

Though the talks to revive the USC rivalry represent renewed hope for the program, it also underscores a worrying trend. Notre Dame's willingness to concede argues a certain level of desperation, signaling a plea to reclaim lost glory. I can't help but wonder if it's too little, too late for the Fighting Irish. The urgency to return to the national spotlight is palpable, but it takes big games against big programs to do that.

With the specter of the Trojans looming large in the Big Ten, will Notre Dame finally find a way to lock in this historic matchup? Only time will tell if the Irish can turn this desire into reality.

Conclusion

The conversation around renewing the Notre Dame-USC rivalry is more than just about football; it encapsulates broader themes of tradition, competition, and survival in an ever-evolving college football landscape. As teams realign and redefine their identities, let's hope this rivalry reignites the passion and energy that both fanbases have longed for. For now, it's a race against time to see whether tradition can outweigh expediency.