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Riley Seeks to Extend USC–Notre Dame Rivalry as Playoff Format Deadlock Persists

Unresolved College Football Playoff proposals pose the main obstacle to securing matchups beyond the 2026 game in Los Angeles.

Helmets at the line of scrimmage as Southern California Trojans long snapper Hank Pepper (31) snaps the ball against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
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Notre Dame defensive lineman Gabriel Rubio sacks USC quarterback Jayden Maiava on Nov. 30, 2024, in Los Angeles. (Ryan Sun/AP)
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Overview

  • At Big Ten media days, Lincoln Riley reiterated his desire to “play this game forever” but stressed that USC’s playoff ambitions and conference duties must come first.
  • The rivalry contract currently expires after the 2026 matchup in Los Angeles, with only a 2025 game in South Bend and the 2026 visit on the schedule.
  • Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti has proposed granting each of the Big Ten and SEC four automatic playoff spots with play-in games during championship week to safeguard historic nonconference games.
  • The SEC’s opposition to the Big Ten’s preferred playoff model has stalled College Football Playoff reform and left nonconference scheduling negotiations in limbo.
  • Notre Dame has shown openness to a long-term extension of the series, but USC favors shorter agreements to maintain flexibility under its new conference calendar.