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.