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2d ago

Lincoln Riley Blames Notre Dame as USC–Notre Dame Rivalry on Hold Until at Least 2030

USC cites Big Ten scheduling pressures tied to playoff access as the sticking point.

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SOUTH BEND, INDIANA - OCTOBER 14: Head coach Lincoln Riley of the USC Trojans talks with head coach Marcus Freeman of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish prior to the game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 14, 2023 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • Speaking at Alamo Bowl availability, Riley said Notre Dame failed to honor an 'anytime, anywhere' pledge, resulting in no games scheduled for 2026 and 2027.
  • Riley said athletic director Jen Cohen recently proposed a two-year extension that Notre Dame rejected almost immediately.
  • Notre Dame filled the open dates by announcing a 2026–27 home-and-home with BYU shortly after declining USC's proposal.
  • USC has pushed to move the matchup into the season’s opening weeks, with reporting indicating the Trojans sought a Week Zero game in 2026.
  • The schools issued a joint statement saying they will work toward restoring the series, while USC searches for replacement nonconference opponents.