The college football landscape shifted on its axis this week as reports surfaced that Notre Dame and USC have officially re-entered active discussions to resume one of the sport’s most sacred annual traditions. After a jarring announcement in late 2025 that the rivalry would go on a multi-year hiatus starting in 2026, the two programs appear to be finding common ground.
College Football World Reacts to Resumed Notre Dame-USC Rivalry Talks
The rivalry, which has run nearly continuously since 1926, hit a wall when USC joined the Big Ten. The Trojans, facing a grueling nine-game conference slate, pushed to move the Notre Dame game from its traditional late-November slot in Los Angeles to earlier in the season.
Previously, the Fighting Irish were steadfast: The game is played in mid-October in South Bend or the Saturday after Thanksgiving in L.A. However, a report from the Los Angeles Times on May 11, 2026, suggests a major concession.
Notre Dame is now reportedly willing to discuss playing the game earlier in the season. As a result, reactions are pouring in across social media.
USA Today’s Matt Hayes wrote, “Need it. Every season.”
Big Ten Information and News’ X handle commented, “Who realized they need the other more than originally thought? I’d put money on Notre Dame realizing they need this game. We will see if the CFP goes to 16 or 24, but regardless, good to see them at least talking again.”
Who realized they need the other more than originally thought? I’d put money on Notre Dame realizing they need this game.
We will see if the CFP goes to 16 or 24, but regardless, good to see them at least talking again. https://t.co/dZLANbdtFU
— Big Ten information and news (@Genetics56) May 11, 2026
“The VOCFB Podcast” host Ryan Fravel declared, “Now that it’s possible we move to a 24 team CFP lil bro USC all of a sudden would be ok playing again. Can’t wait for USC fans to flex making a CFP at 8-4😭”
Now that it’s possible we move to a 24 team CFP lil bro USC all of a sudden would be ok playing again.
Can’t wait for USC fans to flex making a CFP at 8-4😭 https://t.co/Izl1MbGGt4
— Ryan Fravel (@Fravel_Ryan) May 11, 2026
ND Wine N Cheese’s X handle said, “This simply proves that USC dropped the rivarly to make it easier to get into the CFP. Now that the field will expand to 24, they are ready to talk. Laughable stuff from the community college of Los Angeles 😂☘️”
This simply proves that USC dropped the rivarly to make it easier to get into the CFP. Now that the field will expand to 24, they are ready to talk
Laughable stuff from the community college of Los Angeles 😂☘️ https://t.co/GP7YzAGs2c
— ND Wine n Cheese (@nd_winencheese) May 11, 2026
While the resumption of talks is a massive victory for the sport, fans shouldn’t book their flights to South Bend or the Coliseum just yet. Because Notre Dame acted quickly to fill its 2026 and 2027 schedules with a home-and-home series against BYU, and USC has filled its non-conference slots with the likes of San Jose State and Fresno State, a return to the field is complicated.
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The potential salvation of the Irish and the Trojans provides a rare glimmer of hope that the sport’s foundation can survive its own expansion. If the active discussions lead to a signed contract, the Jeweled Shillelagh will remain where it belongs: on a football field, rather than in a trophy case gathering dust.
