The Notre Dame-USC rivalry is back.
The longtime rivals suspended their series in 2026 due to a number of factors, but the Fighting Irish and Trojans are set to play again starting in 2030. That means the series will continue to be on pause for the next 4 seasons before returning.
USC announced the details on Monday morning, confirming the game will take place in Week 1 of 2030 and 2031. The programs will then meet again in Weeks 1, 2, or 3 in 2032 and 2033. The 2030 game will be played in Southern California while South Bend hosts the 2031 matchup.
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The early-season nature of these games is certainly notable. Through the history of this rivalry, Notre Dame and USC have traditionally played in October or November. Now, it seems these games will be slated for August or September kickoff for the foreseeable future.
The earlier date was a point of contention for USC and Notre Dame in negotiations in recent years, with the Trojans wanting to move the game to the first half of the season. USC was eager to play the game earlier in the year and not in the midst of a Big Ten schedule that frequently sends the Trojans across the country in October and November.
In place of USC, Notre Dame is facing off against BYU in 2026 and 2027. Aside from its other rivals and ACC obligations, Notre Dame is also scheduled to play programs such as Texas, Auburn, Arkansas and Alabama over the next 4 seasons.
USC will not play a power-conference opponent outside of Big Ten play in 2026. The Trojans also do not have a P4 opponent on the books for 2027, 2028 or 2029 as of publication, though that could change in the coming months.
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Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
