Overview
- Speaking before the Alamo Bowl, Riley said Notre Dame did not follow through on its public 'anytime, anywhere' pledge and quickly moved to schedule BYU.
- Notre Dame announced a 2026–27 home-and-home with BYU after turning down USC’s proposal, filling the slots the rivalry would have occupied.
- The dispute centered on timing, with USC pushing for Week 0 or an early-season date to avoid a late nonconference game, while Notre Dame preferred the traditional later window.
- USC’s position was influenced by reporting on Notre Dame’s College Football Playoff memorandum that assures access if the Irish finish in the top 12.
- Both schools previously issued a joint statement expressing hopes to revive the series, though multiple outlets report a resumption is unlikely before 2030.