The USC Trojans’ 34-24 loss to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Oct. 18, 2025, left coach Lincoln Riley’s team grasping at straws in their bid to clinch a berth in the College Football Playoff. At the end of the regular season, the Trojans had a 9-3 record and missed out on the showcase event, while the Fighting Irish were also controversially left out despite the win.
The Trojans versus Fighting Irish rivalry game has been played since 1926 and, since 1946, has been played every season except the COVID-19-affected season. To the chagrin of both sets of fans last year, the rivalry game was halted for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
Urban Meyer Weighs In on Canceled USC vs. Notre Dame Rivalry
During this week’s segment of the “Triple Option” podcast, former Ohio State coach Urban Meyer addressed the long-running USC versus Notre Dame rivalry game being canceled.
“I’ve coached in so many big ones and I’ve coached in that one five or six times and it’s an incredible rivalry,” Meyer said. “It’s not as intense as the Ohio State – Wolverines rivalry, it’s not as intense as the Florida – Georgia because those are right there in your backyard, this is a cross-country rivalry, but it’s a legit one. I’m heartbroken. I feel your pain.
“Here’s what I’m hearing though, because schedule strength should matter, but it doesn’t, there’s teams that won’t play Notre Dame anymore. So who got out of that one? But, if I’m USC, why am I playing that game? Other than it’s a great rivalry? I used to ask that question when I was the coach at Florida, why am I playing a top-five FSU every year?”
The issue of the strength of schedule became the trending topic in college football as the elite sides have sought to gain every advantage to ensure their inclusion in the 12-team College Football Playoff field.
MORE: Marcus Freeman Confirms 3-Way Battle for Notre Dame Backup QB Behind CJ Carr
Lincoln Riley Blames Notre Dame for Halting the Rivalry Series
While speaking to reporters before the Trojans’ Alamo Bowl game against the TCU Horned Frogs in December, USC coach Riley blamed the Fighting Irish for the cancellation of the rivalry game.
“We took Notre Dame at their word that they would play us anytime and anywhere,” Riley said. “That proposal was rejected. Not only was it rejected, five minutes after we got the call, it was announced that they had scheduled another opponent (BYU), which I’ll give them credit. That might be the fastest scheduling act in college football history.”
The Trojans, who brought in the No. 1 recruitment class in the country, are expected to be dark horses for both the Big Ten and the national championship, while coach Marcus Freeman’s Fighting Irish are also tabbed to be in contention for the top prize in college football.
