Notre Dame and USC Just Made a Major Announcement About Their Historic Rivalry

One of college football’s most storied rivalries is set to return.

Notre Dame and USC announced Monday that their annual football series will resume in 2030, ending a temporary break that begins this fall. The new agreement covers a four-game series running through 2033 and includes notable changes to the traditional timing of the matchup.

Notre Dame-USC Rivalry Set to Resume in 2030

The Fighting Irish and Trojans have played nearly every year since 1926, creating one of the most consistent and high-profile non-conference rivalries in the sport. That streak will be interrupted starting in 2026, with no games scheduled between the programs for the next four seasons.

The newly announced deal ensures the rivalry does not stay dormant for long. Beginning in 2030, the two programs will meet annually again through at least 2033.

Key Details of the New Scheduling Agreement

The structure of the renewed series stands out for one major reason: the timing of the games.

• The first two contests (2030 and 2031) are scheduled for Week 1 of the season.
• The final two games (2032 and 2033) will be played no later than Week 3.

This marks a significant shift from recent history. For years the Notre Dame-USC game was traditionally played after Thanksgiving. Notre Dame had been reluctant to move the rivalry out of that late-season window, making the early-season placement a notable concession in the new agreement.

Why the Rivalry Took a Temporary Break

The inability to reach a long-term scheduling agreement earlier led to the current four-year gap. Fans of both programs expressed frustration when the annual series was interrupted, and those reactions may have helped push both sides back to the negotiating table.

Talks reportedly restarted earlier this year, and the Monday announcement confirms that the two schools found common ground. By the time 2030 arrives, both fan bases are expected to be eager to renew the rivalry after the extended hiatus.

What the Early-Season Placement Means

Moving the game to the opening weeks of the season changes the stakes and the atmosphere. An early matchup between Notre Dame and USC will immediately draw national attention and could set the tone for both programs’ seasons.

For Notre Dame, which controls its own scheduling as an independent, the early date requires careful planning around the rest of its non-conference slate. For USC, now fully integrated into the Big Ten, the game offers a high-profile non-conference challenge at the start of the year.

Looking Ahead to the Return of Notre Dame vs. USC

The next four seasons will pass without the familiar annual meeting, unless the teams collide in a bowl or playoff setting. Once 2030 arrives, however, the rivalry will be back on the calendar with a clear multi-year commitment.

College football rivalries often evolve with conference realignment and shifting priorities. In this case, Notre Dame and USC found a way to preserve one of the sport’s classic matchups, even if it required adjusting the traditional late-season slot.

When the series resumes, both programs and their fans will have spent years anticipating the return. The early-season placement only adds to the intrigue of what should once again become a marquee annual event.

Bottom Line

Notre Dame and USC have locked in the return of their historic rivalry. The series resumes in 2030 with a four-game agreement through 2033, and the games will take place much earlier in the season than fans have been used to seeing. After a brief interruption, one of college football’s signature non-conference matchups is officially coming back.